Telemedicine Consults

At Salud Pediatrics, we are standing strong with our community to continue to take care of our patients during the Corona virus-19 pandemic. We also recognize families may desire flexible options for access to care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that reduces the risk of exposure. 


To help meet those needs, we are delighted to announce that we will be offering a variety of telehealth services. 


Available telehealth visits include digital video consultations (i.e., telemedicine), and 2-way, live interactive telephone communications. Our expansion into telehealth services will enable parents to connect with our clinicians more efficiently while reducing the risk of exposure to contagious viruses or further illness.

Below are some of the conditions we can address with telehealth services. 


  • Rashes
  • ADHD Follow Ups
  • Asthma Follow Ups
  • Medications Adjustments
  • Pinkeye without fever in children over two years of age
  • Colds
  • Some fevers
  • Allergies
  • Mild croup
  • Constipation, diarrhea or vomiting
  • Minor traumas (lacerations, abrasions, bites)


Telehealth


Just like in office doctor's office visit, a telehealth (i.e., video and/or audio) consult you will talk with a nurse or medical assistant before connecting you to your provider, in order to take down preliminary details such as:


  • Basic symptoms prompting the appointment.
  • Medical history, including chronic conditions.
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you use, including vitamins.
  • Your pharmacy phone number and address.
  • Insurance or credit card information.
  • Vital signs you may be able to obtain at home: weight (if you have a scale and your child is old enough to stand on it, please get his/her weight with a single thin clothes layer and with no shoes), temperature, blood pressure (if you have a blood pressure cough available.


After the intake is completed, the clinician will join you on the virtual visit.


Tips to Ensure You Get The Most Out of Your Telehealth Consult 

 

1. Set the scene.


Find a quiet, well illuminated, private place to talk – away from other children (if possible), pets and other distractions. Make sure you can be there for 30 minutes or so. Most actual appointments last about 15 minutes. Charge or plug in your phone or computer; get some paper and a pen for taking notes. Gather medical equipment such as a thermometer, asthma inhalers and spacer, if appropriate. We may also need to use a ruler or a measurement tape. 

 

2. Talk it through.


Your conversation with your provider will be much like an in-person appointment. Write down what you want to discuss before you start to make sure you cover everything. Be prepared to answer these questions:

  • What prompted this appointment today?
  • What symptoms do you have? How long have they been going on, and how have they developed and changed over time?
  • What have you done to treat them so far? What are the results from treatment?
  • Have you ever had these symptoms before? What treatments did you use and what were the results?

It is wise to write the instructions given to you down, then confirm before hanging up to make sure you understand everything.

If you don't have a portal account, make sure to create one. A visit summary will show up on your portal as well as handouts, referrals and other pertinent information discussed during the virtual encounter. 


Keep In Mind


While modern technology is wonderful, it's important to note that in emergency situations where timing is critical, nothing can replace in-person treatment. It is possible small nuances could be missed over a smart phone, tablet or laptop by even the best physicians.
 

Salud Pediatric providers may determine that your child needs a more thorough examination, or is too sick to be cared for through telehealth, after a telehealth visit has already started. In that case, you may be instructed to bring your child to the Emergency Room or to our office for a face to face encounter. If your child’s symptoms don’t improve or he/she feels worse, do not delay seeking treatment.

Likewise, laboratory testing or imaging ( for example X-rays) may be indicated so that your provider can make the best assessment and treatment plan.

Just like our face to face encounters with your child in the office, a prescription medication may or may not be indicated as a result of a virtual encounter.


Wellness Visits


As recommended by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we continue to offer preventive visits (Wellness or Well Child Checks) to ensure your child remains protected from other contagious illnesses and is growing well.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are scheduling wellness visits in the morning ONLY. For more details, please call our office or send us a message via the portal. 


Health Insurance & Benefits


Many insurance companies are responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by expanding coverage for telehealth. However, benefits may be different depending on your health plan.


As a reminder, it is critical to check general coverage and telehealth benefits with your insurance company before your appointment. This step will help you determine coverage information, network status, benefit preauthorization/pre-notification requirements, and other essential details.

Thank you for your trust in us. We are here for you.