Answers to your most common telehealth questions
During these challenging times, CHOC is offering parents peace of mind when it comes to caring for their children’s health and well-being. All medical care for kids is essential, including well visits, immunizations and access to specialty care. That’s why we’ve kept our offices open with additional safety measures in place and why we are offering telehealth appointments when appropriate, giving you access to our experts from your home.
We understand that many parents and families are new to telehealth, so we’ve prepared this guide of frequently asked questions on telehealth, to give parents peace of mind and help them prepare for their child’s first telehealth appointment.
Telehealth appointments are virtual visits with a CHOC provider via a smartphone, tablet or computer. You and your child can take these appointments from home or anywhere with internet access that you feel comfortable. During the appointment, you will see and hear your usual physician or specialist and will be able to interact, ask questions and answer your provider’s questions.
Primary and specialty care physicians can safely and appropriately deliver care for many conditions via telehealth technology. Some types of visits require an in-person appointment. Your child’s provider will determine if a telehealth appointment is ideal for you.
CHOC uses a special version of Zoom, a video conferencing software, with additional layers of security to ensure the protection of our patients and their personal health information. Our telehealth platform has always been and continues to be safe.
Once approved for a telehealth appointment, you will receive an email with instructions, troubleshooting tips and a link to access your video appointment. Follow the instructions. First, you’ll see a virtual “waiting room” that will instruct you to wait for your child’s physician to admit you into the appointment. Do not exit this screen. Once admitted, you will be able to see and hear your child’s provider, and they will be able to see and hear you. Make sure your child is with you so the provider can properly assess them.
Watch this video on what to expect during your first telehealth appointment and get tips for a successful telehealth appointment.
Please ensure the patient is present for every telehealth appointment so your provider can properly assess them.
You will see your regular primary care physician or specialist.
You and your child can speak with your provider about anything you would bring up during an in-person appointment. Discuss symptoms, your care plan and any questions or concerns you may have. If needed, your physician can share lab results and X-rays with you as they would in person. Your physician may ask you to help by taking your child’s temperature or by showing them a child’s rash, for example.
Telehealth visits are billed the same way as in-person appointments. You may be billed your standard co-pay for a visit. Telehealth visits feature your primary care physician or specialist, so you can expect the same high-quality care you’d receive at any CHOC appointment.
While telehealth may seem awkward or uncomfortable, your physician may prefer to see you via a telehealth visit so that he or she can see you sooner than they would be able to in person. If you prefer an in-person appointment, ask your pediatrician’s office or the Patient Access Center (PAC) when you call for an appointment to see if your provider is OK with waiting until the first available in-person appointment.
