Incorporating Telehealth in Pediatric Care

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the use of telehealth has become even more common in healthcare agencies worldwide. There are many benefits to implementing telehealth in medical practices, especially pediatric care.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth allows patients to speak to their healthcare provider without physically going to the office. They can take place online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone which allows patients to talk with healthcare providers on the phone or video, send messages to a healthcare provider, and easily track health records. 

How Pediatric Telehealth Works

A pediatric telehealth visit is similar to an in-person visit. The online provider or clinician will ask questions, do a visual exam, make diagnoses, and provide information and strategies. Telehealth visits are not meant to replace in-person visits but can be used in addition to regular medical care. 

Benefits of Telehealth Services

Convenience

A telehealth appointment does not require clinicians to travel to families’ homes at the time of the visit. This saves time but still allows a focused one-on-one meeting with a clinician and patient. 

Quicker Access to Care

When patients require immediate help (that’s not a medical emergency) or have questions about their health, they can message their clinician to set up a telehealth appointment. Telehealth appointments are typically scheduled sooner than in-person appointments. 

Secure and Private

Both clinicians and patients can feel at ease with video appointments because telehealth platforms are secure and HIPPA-compliant. 

Thrive SPC Began Providing Virtual Medical Care in 2020

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Thrive SPC chose to provide therapy visits remotely through its new Teletherapy program. They offered physical, occupational, speech, and language therapy services at home for their medically fragile patients.

Physical therapist Danny Hoang was one of the first therapists to have a remote visit with a Thrive SPC patient. “In general, these visits offer a great opportunity for parents to engage and play with their children, armed with new knowledge and tools,” he said. “Thrive SPC has the resources and the willingness to help families be successful with teletherapy.” 

Telehealth and teletherapy are a great addition to regular in-person visits, allowing patients and clinicians the ability to communicate with each other at any point. Learn more about Thrive SPC’s approach to telehealth and teletherapy by reading our blog.