The COVID-19 Pandemic forced all of us in health care to be more creative in finding ways to deliver care to patients. Virtual visits became at first a daring undertaking and then an everyday solution. The pandemic is over but we recognize that there are times that the best way to meet the needs of the patient is by some kind of remote visit. At this time we continue to offer both video visits over a secure platform (Zoom) as well as phone visits with your child’s PCP. These are most appropriate when an in-person physical exam is less important, such as mental health/behavioral health concerns, but we also occasionally use them for acute medical conditions that are highly visible over a video connection.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Telehealth Visit:
We understand that the steps below may not be possible for all patients. We ask that families simply do their best to help our providers care for your child.
- Log in and test your audio and video capabilities prior to the appointment. For instructions on how to do this, and how to turn these on once you have “joined” your appointment, see the Zoom help page. If you have concerns about the audiovisual quality on your computer or tablet, we recommend downloading the app, Zoom Cloud Meetings on your mobile device and using this for your visit.
- Find a quiet, well-lit space for the appointment
- For all visits (especially follow-ups for ADHD and other chronic conditions):
- Weigh your child within three days of the appointment and be able to provide that information
- Gather all of your child’s current medications and have them available during the visit
- For acute care/’sick visits”, check your child’s temperature within one hour of the visit and be ready to provide that information
- Make sure that your child or teen is awake, dressed, and ready to participate, especially for mental health visits
At your scheduled meeting time go to join.zoom.us and put in the meeting id name you were given. If you’ve already downloaded the software, after launching the software choose “join meeting” option and enter the meeting id there. This will be given to you when you schedule or when provider calls you at appointment time to help you get started. First, you will be in a waiting room; once the provider is available they will admit you into the video visit. To maintain the privacy of your conversation be aware of who is around you during the visit. Quiet, well-behaved pets make us smile and are always welcome to join the visit!
Video visits are billed in the same way as an office visit would be. Charges will vary based on the duration and complexity of the visit. If your health plan covers office visits then it would cover the video visits. There may be a copay or the visit may apply to your deductible depending on your health plan in the same way as a visit in the office would, though we are hearing that some health plans are waiving copays for video visits. (Update: as of this time some insurance companies may no longer be paying the entire charge for a virtual visit; check with your insurance for details)
Phone calls with a provider scheduled as a specific visit to diagnose and/or manage a problem in a way that takes the place of an office visit will incur a charge that may or may not be covered by your insurance.
Updated 7/26/2024