Online Doctor Visits for Kids: What to Expect as a New Parent
As a new mom or dad, seeing to your child’s healthcare can feel like a lot to handle, especially in today’s digital age when virtual care is possible. Meeting with a doctor online, or a telehealth appointment, is a convenient and effective way to access medical care for your child without leaving the house.
But if this is your first time, it’s natural to have questions. And, of course, as any parent knows, it’s very important to make sure that the appointment goes smoothly.
Here are some common queries about the process regarding online doctor visits, and what you can do to prepare.
What Are Telehealth Visits?
Video conferencing technology is used to hold virtual doctor visits that connect patients to their healthcare providers. They can cover many non-emergency pediatric concerns.
These appointments can and do deal with a range of issues: colds, rashes, pink eye, feeding problems, sleep issues, and various developmental concerns. But telehealth isn’t just a backup plan. It’s a viable tool used for ongoing pediatric care of all kinds.
Preparing for the Appointment
Optimizing an online doctor visit begins with preparation. Several steps are necessary to ensure that the visit is clinically productive and as rewarding as an in-office appointment. Foremost among these is to make sure that the device being used (e.g., computer, phone, or tablet) is charged and has a stable Internet connection.
The visit cannot take place if either the device or the connection is down, and recharging or reconnecting after a failure typically saps several minutes from the appointment time. Make sure that your child is calm, relaxed, and ready for the appointment.
For babies, this may require scheduling the virtual visit in between feeding or napping times. For toddlers and older children, assuring them that they will be talking to a doctor on the other side of the screen can help reduce anxiety.
During the Visit
When the session commences, you can expect the pediatrician to prompt you to give a comprehensive account of your child’s symptoms and condition. Depending on the child’s age and the particular problem, the physician might ask to see the child to note specifics like respiration or general demeanor, tensed or otherwise.
They might also ask you to check for common signs of illness without the benefit of a doctor’s immediate judgment. You can ask about symptoms, treatments, and follow-up care. If the doctor thinks you will benefit from medication, he or she can send your prescriptions directly to a local pharmacy.
Peace of Mind for New Parents about Their Child’s Online Doctor Visit
Online medical consultations provide reassurance, accessibility, and expert care to new parents without the stress of traveling with a child who is not feeling well. They also allow for quicker check-ups, which can be crucial when your child isn’t feeling well.
Understanding the expectations lets the process run smoothly and efficiently. A tiny bit of prep work is all that is needed to make virtual pediatric visits a smooth part of everyday parenting.
