No, you don’t need to log into the Patient Portal or download any kind of application to  join the visit. The URL will come directly to your preferred contact method (email or text,  so long as you’ve previously consented to such messaging with your healthcare provider’s office) and can be accessed via web browser (desktop or mobile). However, you can also access the link for your athenaTelehealth appointment in the Member App or on the Patient Portal, if registered. Speak to the staff and care team about registering for the athena Patient Portal.

Automated readiness checks are built into your virtual visit. In the confirmation message  that contains details about your appointment, you’ll also be provided a link to a pre-appointment device check, which will allow you to test your device settings and troubleshoot audio or video issues. This link will not be available in any reminder messages.

The provider will join the call as soon as they’re able, but the virtual waiting room will  expire after 60 minutes. Upon entering, you’ll read a message stating that the call will begin when your provider or a practice staff member joins the call.

Yes, up to four total users can participate in the call simultaneously, including users from  both the patient and the provider side. If you require an additional participant to be present  during the visit, such as a caretaker, you can share your visit link with them. When your second participant joins the call, they should enter their name and select their  relationship to you from a dropdown (e.g. Jane Doe, Interpreter).

If you become accidentally disconnected in the middle of the visit, you can access the visit  again using the same URL you were initially provided or by refreshing your browser page.

athenaTelehealth has the capability to be used as an audio-only call, but you should first  check with practice staff about using only audio