Posted on August 23, 2025

I often hear from parents who wonder if virtual healthcare can truly work for their children. The answer is yes—with the right preparation and expectations, telehealth visits can be effective, convenient, and sometimes even preferable for pediatric patients. Whether your child needs a routine check-up, has come down with a common illness, or requires follow-up care, telehealth offers a practical alternative to in-office visits. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about virtual healthcare for your children.

Understanding When Telehealth Works for Children

Not every pediatric situation requires an in-person visit. Many common childhood concerns can be addressed effectively through telehealth. I regularly help parents manage issues like mild fevers, colds, rashes, behavioral concerns, medication management, and follow-up care through virtual appointments. Telehealth works particularly well for conditions where visual assessment provides significant clinical information, such as skin conditions or certain types of infections. It's also ideal for checking how a treatment plan is progressing or discussing test results.

However, I always make it clear to parents that some situations do require hands-on examination. These include severe injuries, difficulty breathing, complex abdominal pain, or any situation where a physical examination is essential for diagnosis. When parents contact me about their children, I help determine whether telehealth is appropriate for their specific concern or if an in-person visit would be better. This assessment considers the child's age, symptoms, medical history, and the parent's comfort level with virtual care.

The convenience factor is significant for families. Parents appreciate avoiding travel time, waiting rooms full of other potentially sick children, and the disruption to their child's routine that comes with traditional office visits. For children with anxiety about medical settings, telehealth can reduce stress by allowing them to remain in the familiar comfort of home. This often results in more productive appointments, as children tend to be more relaxed and communicative in their own environment.

Preparing for a Successful Pediatric Telehealth Visit

A successful telehealth appointment with a child requires some preparation. I recommend finding a quiet, well-lit space in your home where your child will feel comfortable. Good lighting is essential so I can see any visible symptoms clearly. Position your camera at eye level and test your technology before the appointment time to avoid technical difficulties that might cut into your scheduled time.

Having certain basic tools on hand can make the visit more productive. If possible, keep a thermometer, flashlight, and basic first aid supplies nearby. For older children with chronic conditions like asthma, having monitoring devices like a peak flow meter available can provide valuable information during the consultation. I may ask you to help with certain aspects of the physical exam, such as checking your child's throat with a flashlight or feeling for swollen lymph nodes, so being prepared to assist makes the process smoother.

Consider your child's age when preparing for the visit. Very young children might need distraction tools like a favorite toy to keep them engaged during parts of the appointment when I'm speaking with you. School-age children often benefit from a brief explanation of what to expect, while teenagers might appreciate privacy for part of the consultation. I always try to engage directly with children who are old enough to participate, asking them questions and making them feel involved in their healthcare, just as I would during an in-person visit.

Gathering information before the appointment helps make our time together most productive. Make notes about your child's symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any other observations you've made. Have your child's medication list ready, including dosages and how long they've been taking each medicine. If your child has seen other healthcare providers recently, having those records available can prevent duplication of efforts and provide a more complete picture of their health.

What to Expect During Your Child's Virtual Visit

When you connect with me for your child's telehealth appointment, I'll start by confirming your child's identity and asking for a general update on their health. For new patients, I'll take a complete medical history, including birth history, developmental milestones, previous illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and family medical history. This background helps me understand your child's overall health context before addressing the current concern.

The virtual examination will vary based on your child's age and the reason for the visit. I might ask you to position the camera to show me different parts of the body, help your child perform simple movements, or assist with basic examination techniques. For example, I might ask you to press gently on your child's abdomen and observe their reaction, or use your phone's flashlight to let me see the back of their throat. Throughout this process, I'll explain what I'm looking for and why these observations matter.

Many parents wonder how I can assess their child without hands-on contact. While telehealth has limitations, visual assessment provides significant clinical information. I can observe breathing patterns, skin color, level of alertness, and many other important clinical indicators through video. Combined with your detailed description of symptoms and your assistance with basic examination techniques, these observations allow me to make accurate assessments in many cases.

After the examination, I'll discuss my findings and recommendations with you. This might include home care instructions, prescription medications (which I can send directly to your pharmacy), recommended over-the-counter treatments, or referrals to specialists if needed. I'll explain why I'm making these recommendations and what you should expect in terms of improvement. We'll discuss warning signs that would warrant further evaluation and make a plan for follow-up if needed.

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Telehealth looks different depending on your child's age. For infants and toddlers, parents naturally play a much more active role in the visit. I might ask you to count respirations, check capillary refill by pressing on a fingernail, or help position your baby so I can observe movements and responses. Young children often feel more comfortable in telehealth settings because they remain in familiar surroundings and have their parents close by throughout the entire visit.

School-age children can usually participate more actively in telehealth visits. I make a point to speak directly to them when appropriate, asking how they're feeling and involving them in age-appropriate ways. This helps build their comfort with healthcare interactions and teaches them to communicate about their own health. Parents remain present but might step back slightly to allow this direct interaction while still providing support and additional information as needed.

For adolescents, privacy becomes an important consideration. Depending on the reason for the visit and your teenager's preference, I might suggest a portion of the visit where they can speak with me privately. This approach respects their growing independence while ensuring they receive appropriate care. Many teenagers actually prefer telehealth visits because they perceive them as less embarrassing and more private than in-person appointments, particularly for sensitive health concerns.

Children with special healthcare needs often benefit significantly from telehealth. For those with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or behavioral concerns that make traditional office visits difficult, virtual appointments remove many barriers to care. I work with parents to adapt the telehealth experience to their child's specific needs, ensuring these children receive regular medical attention without the stress that sometimes accompanies in-person visits.

Telehealth offers families a flexible, convenient option for many pediatric healthcare needs. As a provider who sees patients from infancy through adulthood, I understand the unique considerations that come with treating children at different developmental stages. My approach combines clinical expertise with practical understanding of what works for families in real-world settings.

If you have questions about whether telehealth might be right for your child's specific situation, I'm happy to help you make that determination. You can reach me at [email protected] or call (213) 754-4440 to discuss your child's needs or schedule a telehealth appointment. Together, we can ensure your child receives quality healthcare in the way that works best for your family.