If you agree to participate in a virtual appointment, MGH may schedule it with Zoom. Zoom for Healthcare is another secure video conferencing tool which can be used by hospitals. This guide was designed to help you prepare for your virtual visit.
Preparing for your Zoom Appointment
At least two days before your appointment, ensure you have access to a device that has a camera and microphone, such as a laptop, cell phone, or tablet. If this is the first time starting a video visit, you will need to install Zoom software.
Desktop/Laptop Users: Download Zoom Client for Meetings for the desktop application here or sign up for an account here.
Smartphone/Tablet Users: Ensure you have the Zoom app (Zoom Cloud Meetings) downloaded to your device from the App Store (for Apple devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices).
If this is not your first time connecting and you have already installed the Zoom software, the video appointment will launch automatically.
Click here to test your device in advance of your appointment.
New to Zoom? Visit Zoom Support for more troubleshooting information
Launching your Zoom Appointment
- You will receive an e-mail from the clinic with a video conference link prior to your appointment date. Do not reply to the email or send the video conference link or appointment email to anyone.
- There are many ways to join a meeting, but the easiest way is to click the Join Zoom Meeting link that the meeting host provided. You can also click Join in your Zoom client and enter the meeting ID from the e-mail invite.
- For more information about joining Zoom meetings on your device, please click here.
If you have successfully installed the Zoom software, the video appointment will successfully connect. You will then see a message informing you that you are waiting for your MGH clinician to join the visit. While you wait, you will be placed in a virtual waiting room. Your screen should display the image below:
Once the clinician joins the video visit, you will be able to see and hear them through the Zoom software.
NOTE: Make sure that you’ve turned on both audio and video. All audio and video settings are located in the bottom left corner of the Zoom window.
For more information about Zoom for Healthcare, click here.
If you have questions about your care or appointment, contact your health care provider.
If you have technical difficulties with the video system, please call your healthcare provider ahead of time to arrange a different platform for your virtual appointment.