It’s that time of year. Holiday parties, school programs, long lines at the mall, and road trip after road trip (after road trip) to visit grandparents and other family and friends. And as if all of this wasn’t enough, without fail, one or more of the kids will end up sick or you’ll find yourself in need of a consultation with your pediatrician for a chronic illness or follow-up care. But don’t jump in your car again just yet. A virtual visit with your favorite trusted physician may be just the time-saving, quality care solution you need.
“Telemedicine provides an easy and effective way for patients to connect with their regular, trusted doctors from any location, at any time, using any camera-enabled device – like a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. It’s particularly helpful in the winter months when low temperatures and icy roadways can make moving a sick child extra stressful,” says pediatrician and father of four Dr. Mick Connors, MD, of Anytime Pediatrics. “In addition to the convenience factor, virtual visits also help prevent the spread of germs and assure continuity of care – something that can be lost if you head to a retail clinic or unknown urgent care.”
Common Concerns
According to Dr. Connors, virtual care can be a great choice when your child is suffering from these type of symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Congestion
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Nausea / vomiting
- Cuts and abrasions
Are you worried that they might need to be seen by your doctor?
Are they dehydrated?
Does this rash need a prescription?
Does this cut need stitches?
Should I worry about a fever?
When to Seek Virtual Care
Parents are often concerned that they may fail to recognize serious health issues. As a pediatrician, I see the benefit in being able to understand their concerns and have access to observe the child via live video to recommend next steps in care.
Telemedicine is not intended for use when your child needs emergency care; however, when you are unsure about their cough, congestion, dehydration and more, telemedicine can be a great option for receiving guidance from your trusted provider.
Does your pediatrician offer virtual visits? It’s good to ask your pediatrician as more and more are offering telemedicine. It can be much more convenient and certainly helpful when you are traveling or if bad weather hits.
Want to learn more about telemedicine? Visit the FAQ on our website.
