Boston Children's Health Physicians Telehealth Visits

Patients at Boston Children’s Health Physicians (BCHP) can access virtual care visits (also called telemedicine or telehealth) from trusted primary care pediatricians and specialists using their smartphone, computer, or tablet. This makes it easy to connect to the high quality care you count on from BCHP, right from the comfort and convenience of your home. Remote doctor visits can be an appropriate option to assess your child’s symptoms caused by many common illnesses, as well as a way to manage chronic conditions.

Our telehealth visits bring remote care to patients right in their homes via video appointments on their smartphone, computer, or tablet.

What type of equipment do I need to participate in a telemedicine visit?

Virtual visits are easily accessible from your smartphone, tablet, or computer as long as the device has a camera and microphone/speaker capabilities.

What type of conditions can you assess using telemedicine?

Remote visits can be used for a variety of needs, including diagnosing acute illnesses and managing chronic medical conditions. Some examples of concerns that can be appropriate for a virtual visit include:

• allergy conditions
• cold symptoms
• cough
• cuts and abrasions
• diarrhea
• fever
• flu symptoms
• insect bites
• nausea
• pink eye
• skin rashes
• vomiting
• chronic condition management (such as asthma, ADHD, and seizures)
• medication management visits
• behavioral and mental health visits

Will my child see their own pediatrician?

Your child will be seen by their own pediatrician if they are available. If not, they will be seen by your pediatrician’s covering physician within the practice.

Can you conduct tests during a telemedicine visit?

No. But the provider can evaluate your child during a telemedicine visit and determine if they need further assessment. For instance, if your child has a red throat or flu symptoms, the physician may ask you to come into the office in person or go a laboratory for testing (such as for a strep test, flu test, or blood test).

How can I set up a telemedicine appointment?

Contact your doctor’s office directly to find out if this is the best option for your child. If so, they will help you schedule a telehealth visit. 

Are there situations that are not appropriate for a telemedicine visit?

Telehealth visits are not sufficient for some medical needs. It’s important to call your doctor’s office and we will let you know if your concern would be better addressed through an in-person visit.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Telemedicine visits are an easy and safe way to access your pediatrician or specialist from anywhere. They may also make your child more comfortable, save you travel time, easily fit in your busy schedule, and reduce the spread of germs.

Will insurance cover telemedicine visits?

Many health care insurers today are covering some, or all, of telemedicine visit costs. To find out what type of coverage you have for a telemedicine visit, be sure to check your specific plan. During the COVID-19 crisis, some insurers are also waiving co-pays for virtual visits. 

• Have a list of your child’s symptoms, including how long they have occurred, how severe they are, and whether they are getting better, worse, or staying the same.
• Keep a list of all medications your child takes, the doses, and how often.
• Make notes of any changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or activity level.
• Write down any questions you want to ask so you don’t forget them.
• Have some key tools available, including a thermometer, flashlight (to look at child’s throat), and your child’s weight or a scale.
• Know how to log in or initiate the telehealth visit.
• Enable the microphone, speaker, and camera ahead of time to make sure they all work.
• For the appointment, have your child with you in a well-lit room that is quiet and free from distractions.

Contact your pediatrician’s office to schedule a remote visit.