Health Information For Parents

Telehealth

Content

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to how health care providers can use technology to provide care and services. It includes live video visits (telemedicine), text reminders, educational videos, online food logs, patient portals, and online results from tests (for example, lab tests or radiology tests).

What Are the Benefits of Telehealth?

Telehealth can help families:

  • See a provider from home.
  • Get medical care outside of regular business hours.
  • Easily follow up with specialists (for example, after surgery).
  • See medical specialists who are far away.

Health care providers can:

  • Share medical information with patients via devices such as blood-glucose readings.
  • Help people who live in rural or isolated communities get medical care.

What Kind of Problems Can Use a Video Visit?

Video visits are also called telemedicine visits, virtual visits, or online visits. During video visits, health care providers see and talk to patients and caregivers through a mobile device, computer, or tablet.

A video visit can let them care for someone with:

They also can offer patient education in a video visit, such as showing patients how to use an asthma inhaler.

How Can I Set Up a Video Visit?

Ask your health care provider’s office if they offer video visits. If they do, get set up before your child has a video visit:

  • Contact your health insurance company and ask if they cover video visits.
  • Ask your doctor’s office if they charge extra for video visits or a “convenience fee.”
  • Download the software/app needed for the video visit.

If your child has a video visit at a different practice, ask them to forward the information about the visit to your usual health care provider.

Medical Review

  • Last Reviewed: March 9th, 2020
  • Reviewed By: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD

Translation

Lea este articulo en Español

Resources

    Related Articles

    • Electronic Health Records

      Many health institutions digitally store their patients’ health information. Learn about electronic health records (EHRs) and how they can improve health care.

    • Talking to Your Child’s Doctor

      Building a relationship with your child’s doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

    • How to Find Affordable Health Care

      Finding coverage for your kids may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Many kids are eligible for government or community programs, even if their parents work. Learn what resources are available to your family.

    • Managing Home Health Care

      When kids need intensive health care after they’re discharged from the hospital, it’s important that family and caregivers learn about the devices, equipment, and support they’ll need.

    • What’s a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

      PCPs are health care providers that offer routine checkups, vaccines, and non-emergency medical care. Learn more about PCPs and how to choose a great one.

    • Giving Teens a Voice in Health Care Decisions

      Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

    • School-Based Health Centers

      School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids’ and teens’ health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

    • Your Medical Records

      Each time you hop up on a doctor’s exam table, somebody makes a note in your medical records. There may come a time when you need your medical information, so find out how to get it and how it’s protected.

    • Electronic Health Records

      Because EHRs improve how well your doctors talk to each other and coordinate your treatment, they can enhance your medical care. Get the facts on electronic health records.

    • Talking to Your Doctor

      Your best resource for health information and advice is your doctor – the person who knows you, your medical history, and accurate medical information to answer your questions.

    • How Can I Take Charge of My Own Medical Care?

      Find out what the experts have to say.

    • Taking Charge of Your Medical Care

      Figuring out health care is part of becoming an independent adult. Here are tips for teens on what that involves, and how to choose your own doctor.

    • Dealing With a Health Condition

      If you suffer from a chronic illness, you know it can be anything but fun. But you can become better informed and more involved in your care. Here are tips to help you deal.

    • Finding Low-Cost Mental Health Care

      If you need mental health care but don’t think you can afford it, you’re not alone. Get tips on finding low-cost or free mental health care in this article for teens.

    • Adolescent Medicine Specialists

      Adolescent medicine doctors are specialists who have extra training in the medical and emotional issues that many teens face.

    • Choosing Your Own Doctor

      You deserve medical care from someone who helps you feel comfortable and understood. Get tips on finding the best doctor for you.

    • Health Insurance: Cracking the Code

      Health insurance has a language all its own. This article for teens explains what some key terms mean.

    • Health Insurance Basics

      Taking charge of your own health care is a big step, and it can be a little overwhelming. Here’s a quick crash course on insurance for teens.

    • How to Fill a Prescription

      Taking responsibility for your own health care means understanding things like prescriptions. Read our tips for teens on filling a prescription.

    • How Do I Switch Doctors?

      Find out what the experts have to say.

    Footer

    Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

    © 1995-2020 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.
    Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.

    For Teens
    Teens Health Info Library
    For Kids
    Kids Health Info Library
    Back to Top
    Searching Animation
    Searching