A video consultation can be just as useful as an in-person visit — for discussing symptoms and imaging, planning treatment, and follow-up — as long as we can see you well. A little preparation makes all the difference.
1. Check your technology beforehand
Use a device with a camera and microphone — a laptop, tablet or phone all work.
Test the appointment link or app in advance, and check your internet connection, sound and camera.
Charge your device (or keep it plugged in) and be ready a few minutes early.
Choose a quiet, private room where you won't be interrupted.
2. Set up the room and camera
The single most valuable thing you can do is set up so that I can see the affected joint and watch you move. For a hip or knee, that usually means:
Rest the device on a stable surface at about hip or knee height — a table with a stack of books works well — rather than holding it in your hand.
Stand back far enough (roughly 2–3 metres) that your whole leg, and ideally your whole body, fits in view.
Leave room to take a few steps toward and away from the camera, so I can see how you walk.
Light the room from the front — a window or lamp facing you, not behind you — so you aren't in shadow.
A simple set-up: device steady at about hip height, you 2–3 m away with light in front and room to take a few steps.
3. Wear the right clothing
So I can actually see the joint, wear clothing that exposes it — shorts for a hip or knee, and bare feet and lower legs. Loose, comfortable clothes you can move in easily are ideal.
4. Have these ready
Your X-ray or MRI results and where they were taken, plus any previous operation details.
A current list of your medications and any allergies.
A short written list of your main questions — it's easy to forget them in the moment.
A sturdy chair and a bit of open floor; a family member nearby can help with some movements if needed.
Pen and paper to note down the plan we agree on.
5. During the visit
Describe your pain and how it affects daily life, and point to where it hurts. I may ask you to stand, walk a few steps, and do some simple movements that I'll guide you through, one at a time — this is how we examine the joint on video. Take your time; there's no rush.
What a video visit can and can't do: it's excellent for reviewing your history and imaging, planning treatment, answering your questions, and follow-up after surgery. Some things still need a hands-on examination or new imaging — and if so, I'll simply arrange an in-person visit. That's a normal, expected part of good care, not a setback.
6. If the connection drops
Don't worry — it happens. Stay where you are for a moment; we'll usually reconnect automatically, or you'll be called to continue. Having a phone within reach makes this easy.
This guide is general information, not personal medical advice. A video consultation does not replace an in-person examination in every situation — the right format for you is decided together with your treating clinician.
Set-up and examination guidance informed by peer-reviewed telemedicine research (Lamplot et al. and Swensen Buza et al., HSS Journal 2021;17(1)). Written originally for this site.