How to Maximize Telehealth Appointments During Flu Season

October 7, 2026

Flu season can put a lot of strain on patients and physicians. Telehealth makes it easier for patients and doctors to connect during this time, but it's important to plan properly to maximize the value of the visits.

Key Takeaways:

Telehealth helps doctors manage large patient loads while enabling patients to connect with doctors from home.
Physicians can take steps to ensure that telehealth remains efficient and effective.
Clear communication helps ensure that patients understand and can utilize telehealth effectively.
Medical staff need training to ensure that telehealth remains efficient and effective.

The Value of Telehealth During Flu Season

Telehealth is more than just convenient — it helps limit the spread of contagious illnesses at a time of year when many people are sick. Telehealth also gives patients quick access to physician advice when they may not feel well enough to go to the doctor's office.

Over time, telehealth can improve patient access to care while reducing congestion in medical offices. Ultimately, this can lead to improved patient satisfaction, a more efficient use of provider time, and better patient outcomes. In other words, everyone can benefit from telehealth.

Maximizing Telehealth During Flu Season

If you're a physician, there are many things you can do to maximize telehealth visits. Preparing for the use of telehealth can ensure that your telehealth appointments will be effective for patients and physicians.

Determine Which Patients Should Use Telehealth

Not all patients are good candidates for telehealth. Knowing which patients can benefit from this type of appointment can help you communicate with patients about when to use telehealth options. Here are some examples of when telehealth is appropriate:

The patient is experiencing mild flu symptoms.
The patient needs a follow-up consultation after a previous visit.
The patient needs medication guidance or would like to ask for physician advice without an in-person examination.
The physician is monitoring the patient's symptoms, but does not want to bring the patient back into the office.

Educate Patients About Telehealth

Educating your patients about telehealth can help ensure this option is used correctly. Start by promoting telehealth services to your patients through your clinic website, patient portal, and through email.

Clearly indicate which patients, conditions, and situations are a good fit for telehealth — and which ones are not. Encourage your patients to schedule virtual visits early, before they experience severe symptoms or complications.

Prepare for Increased Telehealth Demand

If your practice already offers telehealth, adjust your scheduling as flu season ramps up to allow for more vritual appointments. Train your staff to manage telehealth workflows and provide patient support during flu season.

Make the Most of the Visit

Before the visit begins, send appointment reminders and clearly written instructions to patients to ensure they know what to do. If your patients frequently make the same mistakes when logging in or using telehealth, include clarifying instructions to prevent these problems.

During the appointment, maintain a professional demeanor and use good etiquette, treating the appointment just like a real doctor's visit.

Once the appointment is over, send follow-up recommendations and digital prescriptions or referrals through your patient portal.