A telemedicine visit is a virtual visit using video conferencing. It allows your child to be seen by one of your regular pediatricians without coming into the office.
Telemedicine visits are not appropriate for all types of visits because the physical examination will be limited. For example, we are unable to listen to your child’s heart or lungs, or look in the ears. We are also unable to take vital signs or perform testing such as a blood count, Strep, Flu, or urine tests.
Some common conditions we may be able to evaluate during a telemedicine visit:
- Cold symptoms
- Allergies
- Pink eye
- Rashes, skin infections, insect bites, acne
- Minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, superficial animal bites
- Academic issues
- Behavior or emotional concerns
- Attention Deficit Disorder (some visits must be in the office)
- Prenatal visits
Please call our office during the usual hours to schedule a telemedicine visit. Our staff will help determine if a telemedicine visit is appropriate based on your child’s symptoms. We are currently using the doxy.me telemedicine platform.
The virtual visit is done using a browser on your computer or smartphone, preferably Chrome or Firefox. Once the appointment has been scheduled you will receive a link to pamc.doxy.me. Two minutes prior to your appointment, check into the virtual waiting room.
A window in the center says: “Enter your clinician’s room name – Who are you here to meet with?” Select the office or a specific provider using the drop-down, then click “Enter Room”.
A new window says: “Welcome! Please check in below to let (office/provider) know you are here”. Enter your child’s name (do not enter your name) then click “Check In”. Click on the button to allow access to the camera and microphone.
In the virtual waiting room is a listing of the Pediatric Associates providers that have signed in to answer calls. A provider will answer the call as soon as they can. We will need the patient and the parent available (if under 18 years old) for this visit.
Preparing for your telemedicine visit:
- Try to be in a quiet location with good lighting and privacy
- Check your child’s temperature just before the visit (if they are ill), and your child’s weight
- Have a flashlight available
- Have a ruler in case the provider asks you to measure the size of an area of concern
- Have a small object of interest (toy) in case it is necessary to direct the attention of infants and young children
- Know your child’s medications and allergies, and have your pharmacy information available
- Have available any reports from urgent care, emergency rooms, laboratories, imaging centers, or specialists
- Your child may be asked to remove some clothing
We also have the ability to view photos, for example, of your child’s rash or injury. These are often useful because the resolution of a photo is better than a video. Our staff will guide you through the simple procedure when scheduling a telemedicine appointment.
If we determine during the virtual visit that your child needs to be seen in person, we will schedule an office visit for you later in the day or the next day. Please realize that virtual visits are not perfect, but they provide easy access and have proved to be highly useful during the coronavirus pandemic.
Telemedicine hours: Monday – Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm, Saturdays 9 to 11:30 am
In accordance with the latest regulations, telemedicine visits are billed to your insurance provider just as a normal office visit is now. Many insurance companies are temporarily waving co-pays, but you will still be responsible for co-pays and deductibles per your policy. Please contact your individual insurance provider for clarification.
