Pediatric Telemedicine

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Why Telemedicine?

When deemed appropriate by your Lurie Children’s provider, many routine appointments can be completed via telemedicine/video visit. Telemedicine is a way to connect with your clinician without having to come to one of our locations. With a computer, tablet, or smartphone, your child can get the same high-quality healthcare delivered to you from the comfort of your own home.  

The benefits of telemedicine include: 

Ability to stay close to home and receive care from your provider 

Less time away from work and school  

Access to live video translators for 38 languages 

 


How to Schedule a Telemedicine Visit

If telemedicine is appropriate for your child's care needs, you will be able to select telemedicine as an option during the scheduling process. 

If you are unsure if telemedicine is an option for your visit, you can: 

  • Talk to your provider during your next visit. 
  • Send a MyChart message to your provider.
  • Call 1.800.KIDS DOC to ask a Lurie Children’s representative.
  • Text ‘Schedule’ to 1.800.KIDS DOC to use our chat assist feature.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

  • DO: Have activities, toys and other comfort items for your child during the visit. Avoid loud videos/television in the background that may be distracting.
  • DO: Log in early. We encourage you to log in at least 15 minutes before the appointment in case any issues arise. Give yourself plenty of time to log in, test your device, complete eCheck-In and prepare for the appointment to ensure that your appointment start time will not be delayed because of technical problems. Please call 312.227.3514 if you need technical assistance.  
  • DO: Use your fastest data connection for best results. This could be your cellular data or Wi-Fi. *Standard data rates apply. 
  • DO: Make sure your mobile device or computer has a functioning video camera connected to or built in on the device you are using for your virtual visit.  
  • DO: Close all apps prior to joining the telemedicine appointment if you are using a smartphone. This ensures it does not impact your connection. 
  • DO: Make sure to have your child’s current weight, list of medications and your list of questions ready prior to connecting with your provider.  
  • DO: Have your child nearby so your provider can see them.  
  • DON’T: Log off if you don’t see your provider right away. They may be running a few minutes behind and will join the call as soon as they can.  
  • DON’T: Join the visit while driving or riding in a moving vehicle. Your appointment will need to be rescheduled. 

Telemedicine FAQs

General

The length of the appointment will depend on the complexity of the topic discussed. 

Telemedicine visits typically take between 15-60 minutes, but please check with your provider. Please remember that providers see multiple patients each day.  

The cost of a telemedicine visit will depend on the type of insurance coverage you have. You can find more information about the plans we accept here, or call 312.227.1333 for more information about cost estimates.  

 

  • You must be within the state of Illinois during your appointment to adhere to legal regulations.  
  • Telemedicine visits should be done in a quiet, well-lit, and private space where the appointment can be completed without interruption. Since this is a medical appointment, make sure no one can overhear your conversation so that you maintain privacy. 

Yes. If your provider determines that a prescription is necessary, it will be sent electronically to the pharmacy that is on file for your child.  

Your provider and/or care team, a translator (if requested), yourself and your child will be present on the telemedicine visit.  

Equipment & Technology 

You will need a smart phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and mic. Please make sure your device is plugged in or fully charged before your visit. For additional privacy, headphones are recommended.  

You do not need an app to complete your telemedicine visit. You can access the visit link through MyChart, or by clicking the link that is sent to you via email on the morning of your visit with the subject, “Invitation to Join Video Visit.   

Your appointment link will be available after eCheck-in has been completed and 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. The link is accessible through MyChart or through the link that is sent to you via email. If neither of those options work, reach out to our digital health coordinators at 312.227.3514. 

Your provider will be notified once you have joined the visit. Please stay connected and wait for them to join. If there are delays in the schedule, the care team should notify you. Call your provider’s office if the wait becomes too long or you need to reschedule. 

Yes. Through MyChart, you can include other family members and caregivers to your telemedicine appointments. Find your upcoming visit details on the MyChart home page, scroll to find “Manage who will participate in this video visit”, and select “View and invite participants”. You may text them a link to their cell phone or email the link. 

Yes. Your privacy is important to us. Each virtual visit takes place on Lurie Children’s secure, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant network, so privacy is assured. It is important to note that telemedicine visits cannot be recorded. This is for the security and privacy of all parties, in accordance with Illinois state law.

You can also help ensure your privacy by making sure to connect from a private location and/or using a headset so others around you cannot overhear the conversation.  

E-Visits

E-Visits are a feature of MyChart in which you can receive care for certain non-urgent health needs through messages with a provider. These are different than telemedicine appointments, which are scheduled visits with your provider. E-Visits take place over the course of a few days, rather than through a scheduled appointment.  

Access this feature in the “E-Visit” section of your MyChart account and fill out the brief questionnaire. A provider will review your concern and make treatment recommendations. E-Visits are not to be used if you have an urgent issue. 

eCheck-In 

eCheck-in is available 72 hours before your appointment begins. You will receive an email with a link to complete eCheck-in through your MyChart account. Once the required information and questionnaires are complete, you will have access to the telemedicine appointment meeting link. 

A Lurie Children’s MyChart account is needed to complete this process. If you do not have a MyChart account, all forms and questionnaires will be emailed and must be completed before the appointmentor your appointment will be canceled. If you do not have a MyChart account, sign up here

Interpreter Services 

We have live video translators available on-demand in 38 different languages. If you’re joining via MyChart, your provider will know that you have requested a translator and will add one to the appointment at the time of the visit. If you are not joining via MyChart, you can reach out to your provider beforehand. Additionally, once your provider joins the call, they will be able to request a translator to join.