How to use video (telehealth) visits

To participate in a video visit, you will need an account on MIT Health’s patient portal, HealthELife. If you don’t have an account, you can self-enroll with the email address we have on file for you — most likely your mit.edu address — or you can call or stop by any front desk at MIT Health and request an invitation. Read more about HealthELife.

You can join your appointment up to 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time, using either a mobile device or computer.

Use the HealthELife app — download from Google Play or the App Store — to join a telehealth appointment from your mobile device. Once you open the app and log in:

1. Tap Menu in the lower right-hand corner of your screen
2. Select Appointments
3. Select View Upcoming Appointments
4. Tap Join Now 
5. Read the Acknowledgment; click on I agree; then tap Join Video Visit. This will take you to the video screen for your appointment. 
6. Wait on this screen until you see the provider join the call. You will not be able to see yourself on the screen until another individual joins the call.
7. When your appointment is finished, tap the red phone icon to end the call.

Log in to HealthELife by going to https://mitmedical.iqhealth.com/. Use either a Chrome or Firefox web browser.

1. In the menu on the left, click on Appointments, and select View Upcoming Appointments, and you should see your Video Visit appointment with a button that says Join Now.
2. Before joining your appointment, you might want to make sure your microphone, speakers, camera, and internet connection are working properly. If so, click on Test your connection. After you have tested your connection, return to the Appointments page.
3. If you see a Download the Plug-in link, click on that link and follow the system prompts. When the download has been installed, you will get a confirmation message that says “all system requirements have been met. If it is time to join the visit, this message will include a Join Now button.
4. Click on Join Now when you are ready to join the video visit.
5. Read the Acknowledgment; click on I agree; then tap Join Video Visit. This will take you to the video screen for your appointment. 
6. Wait on this screen until you see the provider join the call. You will not be able to see yourself on the screen until another individual joins the call.
7. When your appointment is finished, tap the red phone icon to end the call.

To invite a guest:

1. Navigate to the Appointments page on the HealthELife app or website. Click on the Options button to the right of your video visit appointment details, and select Send invitation.
2. Fill out the form. It will ask for your guest’s name, email address, and their relationship to you. Then click Send.
3. You will get a confirmation that your invitation has been sent. Click OK.
4. Your invited guest will get an email with instructions for joining your video visit. If they don’t receive the email within a few minutes, tell them to check their junk-mail folder.

Once you have scheduled a video visit, you may invite another person — such as a parent, friend, or spouse — to attend your video visit with you. Your guest must use a desktop or laptop computer with its camera and microphone turned on, and they may need to download and install a browser plug-in.

By agreeing to the video or telehealth audio visit, you authorize the electronic transmission of your medical information and/or videoconference session so that it can be viewed by a clinician and other persons involved in your medical or mental health care. 

As with any technology, telemedicine does have its limitations due to its imperfect physical examination capability. There is no guarantee, therefore, that this telemedicine session will eliminate the need for you to see a clinician in person. 

Telehealth treatment has potential benefits including, but not limited to, easier access to care.  However, there are potential risks to using telehealth technology, including but not limited to, interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties. These technological challenges include issues with software, hardware, and internet connectivity which may result in interruption. The patient is responsible for information security on their device, including but not limited to, computer, tablet, or phone.  Please note that the same fee rates apply for telehealth as apply for in-person treatment. Some insurers however, are waiving co-pays during the time of pandemic. 

These sessions are not recorded. You understand that you do not have to answer questions that you deem inappropriate if seen or heard by others in the vicinity of the transmitting device. You may withhold or withdraw consent to the use of telemedicine in the course of care at any time, without affecting the right to future care or treatment. Further, you should be aware that the laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telemedicine, and that no information obtained in the use of telemedicine, which identifies the patient will be disclosed to researchers or other entities without consent.