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Tips for a Successful Virtual Visit With Your Pediatrician

By Alysa Hritzik & Amy McCrory, Publishers, North Lake Macaroni Kid May 26, 2020


We know your child’s health means the world to you, but you might feel hesitant to take your kids to their pediatrician’s office right now. That’s why we’ve made it easy to set up a video visit, or telehealth appointments, with a pediatric specialist  using the AdventHealth App.

Having a telehealth visit allows you to have a face-to-face appointment without ever leaving the comfort and safety of your home. And our clinicians are available whether your child needs a routine visit or you have an urgent concern. You can also use the app to check your child’s medical records and message your child’s care team.

Prepare for Your Virtual Visit

First, you’ll need to download the AdventHealth App. Go to your app store (Android Google Play or Apple Store) and download it by searching “AdventHealth.” You will be asked to create an account for yourself, as well as for your child and any other immediate family members. For children younger than age 18, simply fill out the “Guarantor” section as the child’s guardian.

You will also be asked to provide a credit card number or health savings and reimbursement account card for billing. Your account won’t be billed until after your child is seen and treated.

Once you have registered, you will have the option to choose an on-demand appointment or to schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.

Tips for a Successful Visit

If you’re logging on to your visit with your Web browser, it’s a good idea to test your device beforehand to make sure your internet, microphone and camera are working correctly.

Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your visit:

  • Choose a quiet, private space that is free from distractions, such as television and music
  • Have a paper and pen ready to take notes
  • Have your child’s medications handy, in case the physician has any questions about them
  • Have your pediatrician’s phone number and your preferred pharmacy’s name and phone number ready
  • Write down a list of questions for the physician before you begin the visit

Use these technical tips to help your visit go as smoothly as possible:

  • Be prepared to adjust your camera and follow the physician’s instructions if they need to examine your child during the visit
  • Choose a room that is well lit so that the provider can see you and your child
  • Avoid glare by closing blinds and not sitting in front of a window
  • Close any other programs on your device
  • Set the camera at eye level so the physician can see your face
  • Prop your phone or tablet up against something so you don’t have to hold it

Tips to Prepare Your Child for the Visit

Even if your child is used to video visits with loved ones, having a video physician’s appointment might seem different to them. Explain the visit ahead of time, including what it is for.

If your child is an infant, toddler or preschooler it may be helpful to:

  • Have some favorite toys to help keep your child distracted and calm during the visit
  • Have your spouse or an older sibling there to help if needed
  • Hold your child in your lap during the visit

If your child is older, have them sit next to you during the visit and position the camera so the provider can see and talk to you both.

What to Expect After the Visit

When your child’s visit is complete, you will see a visit summary on screen. If you cannot see it, you will receive a secure email with directions on how to access your visit summary. The visit summary will provide the details of your child’s visit, follow-up instructions from the physician and prescriptions the doctor prescribed, as well as information about what to do if your child’s condition doesn’t get better.

In some cases, the visit summary information will be sent to your child’s pediatrician, but you can also print and save it to share with the pediatrician at a later date.

We’re Here for You

If you do need to bring your child to the office for an in-person visit, you can rest assured that your family’s health and safety is top of mind.