Telehealth and Virtual Visits
Discover more about Telehealth and Virtual Visits, including locations and providers, at Mount Nittany Health
When your child isn’t feeling well, taking them out of the house for a doctor’s appointment can feel overwhelming. Virtual healthcare visits offer a convenient alternative for many common childhood conditions. You may wonder if these appointments are effective for children. Understanding when and how to use telehealth can help you make the best choices for your child’s care.
Dr. Jason Schweichler, a primary care provider at Mount Nittany Health, shares valuable information for parents considering virtual visits for their children.
“Kids can be seen via telehealth for symptoms of mild illness,” he said.
When can I use telehealth for my child?
Telehealth visits work well for many common childhood concerns. “Common problems appropriate for telehealth would include rashes, pink eye, colds, minor respiratory symptoms, GI symptoms, UTIs in older children, and behavioral issues,” Dr. Schweichler said.
Some situations require an in-person evaluation. “Infants under 2 months of age need to be seen in person if ill,” he explained. “Moderate or severe symptoms would need to be seen in person as well,” he explained. “Ear pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain are problems that require in-person visits.”
In-person visits are also necessary for immunizations, well-child checks, strep tests, and emergencies. When in doubt, your provider’s office can help guide you to the most appropriate type of visit.
Benefits of pediatric telehealth
Virtual visits offer several advantages for families. They eliminate travel time and waiting rooms—this is especially helpful when you have multiple kids. This convenience can also mean less time away from school for kids and work for parents.
Telehealth reduces potential exposure to other illnesses, which is particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. Virtual check-ins can provide regular monitoring without frequent office visits for children with chronic conditions. Some families find their children more cooperative and comfortable in their familiar home setting than in the doctor’s office.
“I find that children and parents are satisfied with telehealth visits,” Dr. Schweichler noted. “Telehealth visits are convenient and save time and money for families. Some families lack good transportation services and may be unable to access care in a timely manner without telehealth.”
Preparing for your child’s virtual visit
Being prepared will make for the most successful virtual visit. Find a quiet, well-lit space where your provider can clearly see your child and better examine any visible symptoms or concerns. Test your device’s camera and microphone before the appointment.
As with any appointment, clear communication helps to ensure quality care. Prepare a list of questions and concerns before the visit. Share any changes in your child’s health, behavior, or medications since their last appointment. Have recent temperatures, if they’ve been sick, and any symptoms you’ve been monitoring handy for the appointment.
“Parents should prepare by writing down their child’s complaints or symptoms and any questions they may have,” Dr. Schweichler shared. “They can explain to the child that the doctor visit will be over the phone or computer, that it is just another way to see a doctor, and that they should not be afraid or nervous about the visit.”
What to expect during the visit
The provider will guide you through any necessary observations or simple examinations during the appointment. You may need to help position your child, assist with demonstrating range of motion, or use a flashlight to help your provider see more clearly.
As the parent, you play an important role in the virtual visit. “Parents usually provide most of the history and assist with the physical exam if needed,” Dr. Schweichler explained.
Special considerations for different ages
“Children have to be mature enough to cooperate with the visit,” he shared. “I have found that school-age children do very well with virtual appointments.”
For infants and toddlers, schedule visits during their most alert times when they’re more likely to cooperate. Have favorite toys or books ready to keep them engaged during the visit.
School-age children often do well with virtual visits, especially for follow-up care or behavioral health check-ins. They may even enjoy showing their provider how they’re doing certain exercises or activities at home.
Teenagers might appreciate the privacy and convenience of virtual visits, particularly for sensitive discussions or routine follow-up care.
At Mount Nittany Health, our providers are experienced in virtual and in-person care. We can help determine which type of visit best suits your child’s needs. If you are unsure if telehealth is right for you and your family, check out our telehealth FAQs.