Telemedicine is an increasingly popular option for people who want to receive medical care without the hassle of an in-person visit. It can be ideal for kids. Data show that telemedicine visits can be just as good as — and sometimes even better than — in-person visits, depending on your child’s needs.
At Nevada Pediatric Specialists, we offer telemedicine visits to help kids get the care they need right in the comfort of their own homes. In this post, our team goes over a few tips to help you and your child prepare so you get the most from their next telehealth visit.
Ideally, you want to create an environment at home that’s similar to the environment of an in-office visit — quiet, well-lit, and secluded for your child’s focus and privacy. Turn off the TV and any other devices that create background noise.
Be sure the space where your child will be sitting is bright. Position a light source in front of your child, not behind them or to the side. If your child’s provider needs to evaluate their throat or examine a rash or other skin symptom, having a flashlight ready can help, too.
Make sure the device you’re using is fully charged, and consider keeping it plugged in during the visit to prevent disruptions. Make sure your operating system is updated to ensure the telemedicine software works without hiccups.
Test your camera and your audio (microphone and speaker) to be sure they work. Sit close to your WiFi router if possible to secure a strong connection. Finally, download the telemedicine software ahead of time and familiarize yourself with it as much as you can. If you have problems, call us for help.
Make a list of all your child’s symptoms before the appointment, along with all of your questions and concerns, so you don’t forget anything while you have access to your provider. If your child takes medicines, have a list of their current dosages on hand to reference.
If you have a scale at home, weigh your child just before their visit and record their weight. Take your child’s temperature if you have a thermometer and measure their height, if possible.
Most kids are very comfortable with technology, but a virtual visit can be a new experience for many. Help your child know what to expect during their visit, explaining that the process is similar to the visit they have in person. Let them know they’ll be able to talk directly to the provider, asking and answering questions and discussing their concerns.
Depending on your child’s needs and the reason for the visit, have them dress in loose clothing that makes it easy for your doctor to evaluate specific issues, like a rash or other skin symptom. Taking a picture of their skin ahead of time ensures a clear image and avoids blurriness that can happen during a video.
Be sure young kids are well-rested, and have a toy on hand for very young children who might be distracted. For older kids, be prepared to give them some privacy if they feel more comfortable talking to their provider confidentially about personal concerns.
Of course our team can’t perform every assessment or treatment virtually — we may recommend vaccines, lab work, or other in-person assessments. Having a pen and paper handy helps ensure you remember the doctor’s treatment recommendations and instructions for follow-up visits.
Be sure to log in to the telemedicine system 5-10 minutes before your scheduled visit. Doing so ensures a good connection and gives you and your child some time to get comfortable. It also provides a chance to troubleshoot any problems before your visit begins.
Telemedicine visits are available for sick and well visits, for medication management, for behavioral health checks, and for other services you need to keep your child healthy.
To schedule a virtual visit for your child, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, today.
