Microsoft Teams instructions: Desktop and mobile devices

Microsoft Teams is a secure video platform used by some Penn Medicine practices for telehealth visits.

To use Microsoft Teams for your visit, you must have a video and audio-enabled device with a front-facing camera and updated operating system. You will also need to be able to connect to the internet. You do not need a Microsoft Teams account to participate in a visit.

You can join a Microsoft Teams meeting from your desktop or mobile device. Desktop devices do not require an app download. However, if you would like to join via a mobile device, you must download the Microsoft Teams app.

Before your telemedicine appointment, please review our Quick Start Guide for desktop.

Setup and join a Teams meeting

1. Before your visit, you will receive an email invitation to join the Microsoft Teams meeting. In the invite, select “Click here to join the meeting”. You can also use the dial-in number and conference ID to call into the meeting.
2. When joining a meeting, you have three choices:
   1. Continue on a desktop browser: Join a Teams meeting on the web. This choice is appropriate if you do not have a Teams account.
   2. Download the Windows app: Download the Teams desktop app.
   3. Download the Teams app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you already have the Teams app, go right to your meeting. This choice is appropriate if you’re joining from a mobile device, including a cellphone or tablet.
3. Type your name. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can type “Guest”.
4. Select your audio and video settings.
5. Select Join now.
6. Depending on meeting settings, you'll get in right away, or go to a lobby where someone in the meeting will admit you.

Audio and visual settings

1. Before joining a meeting, you can adjust the following settings:
   1. Video (1)
      1. Select the camera icon to preview your video.
      2. Preview how you'd like to appear:
         1. Select “Background filters” and choose a custom background or blur.
   2. Audio (2)
2. Once in a meeting, you can adjust the same settings by using the banner at the top of your screen.

Virtual background

1. Once in a meeting, you have the option to change your virtual background.
2. You can adjust your video settings (i.e. blur) by clicking “More” and selecting “Video Effects”.
3. Select the background that you would like to use.
4. Select “Apply and turn on video”.

Sharing content

1. You can share content by selecting “Share”.
2. After selecting “Share”, you can select your content.
   • Screen lets you show everything on your screen.
   • PowerPoint Live lets you share a PowerPoint presentation.
   • Microsoft Whiteboard and Freehand by Invision lets you share a whiteboard where participants can sketch together.
   • Window lets you share an open window like a specific app you have open.
   • You can also choose to include computer sound.
3. After you select what you want to show, a red border surrounds what you're sharing. Meeting participants won't see any notifications that might come in.
4. Select “Stop sharing” to stop showing your screen.

Raise your hand and show reactions

1. Under Reactions, choose how to engage in a meeting:
   1. Select Raise hand to let others know you'd like to speak up without interrupting the conversation.
   2. Choose a reaction like Applause or Heart to show how you feel.

Other settings

1. To view other people in the meeting select “People”.
2. To view the two-way chat for the meeting, select “Chat”.

Note: Your chat will be visible to all participants, unless otherwise noted. Chat will only be available during the meeting and will be locked once the meeting ends. As a participant, you must preserve the privacy of other patients in group settings. Chat transcripts and any other information about patients cannot be copied or used beyond the purpose of the meeting.