Device Testing for Virtual Visits
Overview
Before joining a virtual visit, patients go through an optional device testing step to verify their camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection are working properly. This helps prevent technical issues during the consultation and gives patients confidence that their setup is ready.
Device testing runs entirely in the browser — no software downloads are required.
The Patient Join Flow
When a patient clicks their virtual visit join link, they are guided through a multi-step process:
- Welcome Screen — displays appointment details, provider name, and organization branding
- Device Testing — tests camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection
- Waiting Room — shows device status summary and waits for the provider to join
- Video Call — the actual consultation
Patients can skip device testing and proceed directly to the waiting room if they prefer.
What Gets Tested
Camera
The test requests access to the device camera and displays a live video preview. Patients can select a different camera from the dropdown if multiple cameras are available (e.g., front-facing vs. rear camera on a tablet).
What to check: Confirm you can see yourself in the preview. If the preview is black or shows an error, check that no other application is using the camera and that browser permissions are granted.
Microphone
The test accesses the microphone and displays a real-time volume meter. Patients should speak or make noise and watch the meter respond. A different microphone can be selected from the dropdown if needed.
What to check: The volume meter should move when you speak. If it stays flat, check that the correct microphone is selected and that the browser has permission to access it.
Speakers
The test plays a short tone (a 2-second beep). After hearing the tone, patients click "I Can Hear It" to confirm their speakers are working. A different audio output device can be selected from the dropdown.
What to check: You should hear a clear beep. If not, check your device volume, ensure speakers or headphones are connected, and verify the correct output device is selected.
Internet Connection
The test measures network latency by sending a request to a connectivity endpoint. Results are displayed as a quality rating:
| Rating | Latency | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Under 300ms | Suitable for video calls |
| Fair | 300ms–800ms | May experience some lag |
| Poor | Over 800ms | Video quality may be affected |
Join Window
Patients can join the device testing and waiting room starting 15 minutes before their appointment time and up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start. Outside this window, the "Continue to Waiting Room" button is disabled.
Browser Compatibility
Device testing requires a modern browser with WebRTC support:
- Google Chrome 80+ (recommended)
- Mozilla Firefox 75+
- Safari 13+ (macOS and iOS)
- Microsoft Edge 80+
Internet Explorer is not supported. Patients using IE will see a compatibility warning.
Troubleshooting
Browser asks for camera/microphone permission
- Click "Allow" when prompted. This is required for the tests to work.
- If you previously blocked access, click the camera icon in your browser's address bar to change the permission.
No devices detected
- Ensure your camera and microphone are plugged in and not in use by another application.
- Try refreshing the page.
- On mobile devices, ensure the browser app has camera and microphone permissions in your device settings.
Volume meter not responding
- Check that the correct microphone is selected in the dropdown.
- On macOS, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone to ensure your browser is listed.
Cannot hear the speaker test tone
- Increase your device volume.
- Check that headphones or speakers are connected.
- Select the correct output device from the dropdown.
Poor connection quality
- Move closer to your WiFi router or switch to a wired ethernet connection.
- Close other applications that may be using bandwidth (video streaming, large downloads).
- If on a mobile device, try switching from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa.