7 ways to prepare your child for a telehealth visit

Telehealth was around long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ability to meet up with doctors or therapists virtually has surged in recent months as we look for ways to reduce our risk of catching the coronavirus.

And that means many parents are taking their children to the doctor virtually.

Not every visit, of course, can take place online from the comfort of our own homes. You'll likely need to go to the doctor for annual physicals. Serious injuries will require a trip to the doctor. Check with your child's pediatrician to find out what kind of visit is best.

But if a telehealth visit is prescribed by your child's pediatrician, I checked in with Kori Flower, a pediatrician and professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Medicine, on seven ways to prepare. Here's how.

Make sure your laptop, tablet or phone is working properly before the video visit and that you're able to follow all of the instructions that your doctor sent over about how to sign in to the visit.

"Typically there is a questionnaire that is sent," said Dr. Flower, who sees patients virtually and in person. "It's important to do those ahead of time and make sure your system is fully set up."

Unless you have no other option, your kitchen table, surrounded by all of your other kids, is probably not the best set up. Instead, Dr. Flower recommends finding a quiet spot where you won't be distracted.

"Select a room where, ideally, the connection is good and there isn't a lot of noise in the background," she said.

You'll want to be right in front of the camera, along with your child. They should be positioned and ready for when the appointment begins.

It's hard to diagnose a rash when the doctor can't really see it. "If light is coming from behind, the person won't appear clearly on the screen," Dr. Flower said.

If your child is taking any medication — over-the-counter or prescribed — bring the bottles with you to the appointment so you can show them on the screen during the visit, Dr. Flower said.

Prep your child for what is about to happen and ask them if they have any questions for the doctor, so they are ready to share them.

"Just have a little conversation with your child or teen before the video visit, thinking through what would you'd like to talk to the doctor about," Dr. Flower said.

She's found that many kids actually enjoy being in front of the camera. When they aren't at the doctor's office, they're less worried that they'll be getting a shot or other procedure that might be painful, Dr. Flower said.

After years of going to a doctor's office, a virtual visit may seem unnatural. Don't give up, Dr. Flower said.

"As with any technology, if it isn't smooth the first time, just know that most families find it gets easier after the first one or two times," she said.