Telemedicine Specialist

For telemedicine visits please call our office.

What Parents Are Saying:

“So kind, patient, and accommodating for our family. Thank you!”
– Blake H.

Symptoms & Conditions We Treat

Telemedicine is revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered, especially in the field of pediatrics. By utilizing technology, in some cases, we can provide medical care to children without the need for an in-person visit, offering convenience and accessibility for families.

At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive pediatric telemedicine services to ensure your child receives the best care possible. Located in Austin, Texas, our practice is committed to providing quality pediatric health care through modern and innovative solutions. Contact us today!

What is Telemedicine in Pediatrics?

Telemedicine in pediatrics involves the use of digital communication tools to provide medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment for children. This method allows healthcare providers to connect with patients and their families remotely, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-office visits.

How it Works

A telemedicine appointment typically begins with calling our office to schedule an appointment. PAA will email a consent form and when you reply to that email, you are agreeing to the policy and consent to treatment via the telemedicine platform.

You will then be sent a link that can be used from any smartphone or computer with a webcam. On the day of the appointment, you will connect with one of our providers via a secure video conferencing platform.

During the consultation, the provider will discuss your child’s symptoms, review medical history, and may ask you to assist with a basic physical examination. This can include checking your child’s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, or showing the doctor any visible symptoms. The provider can then provide a diagnosis, recommend treatment, and if necessary, prescribe medication.

Conditions Eligible for Telemedicine Visit

Skin conditions such as rashes, warts, acne
Seasonal allergies: Concern for seasonal allergies (when not acutely sick)
Behavior and mental health consults for anxiety, depression, autism support, sleep issues or behavioral concerns.
ADHD Medication consultation: Initial or follow-up ADHD visit where medication can be refilled (with provider approval)
Infant and developmental follow-ups: including feeding concerns, sleep questions, and review of developmental milestones
Lactation consultations (with provider approval)
Constipation: Discussion of symptoms and plan for prevention or treatment for those without current stomach pain or other symptoms
Lab results: Review and discussion of lab results
Chronic illnesses plan: Example: review plan going into winter months to prevent asthma attacks (when not acutely sick)
Prescription refills for certain medications
Exposure to illness: visit to discuss plan after exposure (when patient is not yet sick)
International Travel consultation: For those who may need travel vaccines and prescription medication. These visits are scheduled with an MD at least 4 weeks prior to travel.
Travel tips visit: without need for any travel vaccinations or prescription medication: These are scheduled any time prior to a trip and discussion can include illness prevention, helpful OTC medications to pack, time change and sleep change tips.

If during the telemedicine visit the provider determines that an in office visit is more appropriate (examples: skin condition can’t be seen well or in office testing is needed) the provider may recommend an additional in-office visit.

Conditions That Require In-Person Visits

While telemedicine can be used to address many concerns, it cannot replace all doctor visits. Certain conditions still necessitate urgent care or an in-person visit to our clinic. These include:

Pink eye (it often coincides with ear infection, and an in-office visit is preferred)
Earache
Strep throat
Influenza, COVID, RSV, or other viral respiratory illnesses
Breathing difficulty (such as wheezing or shortness of breath)
Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis or asthma exacerbations
Abdominal pain
Headache
Urinary tract infection
Any condition requiring lab tests or imaging
Severe injuries or trauma
Suspected fractures or broken bones
Suspected concussion

What Will I Pay for a Telemedicine Visit?

The cost should be the same as an in-office visit and the payment is made over the phone prior to the telemedicine visit. Our regular financial policies will apply regarding payments.
Exceptions are for our Travel Consultations and Travel Tips Visits. A Travel Consultation is a flat $60 fee for each child as insurance does not cover these visits. During a Travel Tips Visit, if a diagnosable condition is found (rash, allergies, cold, etc) the visit can be billed to insurance. However, if the discussion is preventative guidance soley, insurance will not cover the visit, and the $60 out-of-pocket charge will apply.

What Should I Do Before My Telemedicine Visit?

Go to a well-lit room and close the door to minimize external noise
Make sure your device is plugged in and has enough charge
Check your internet speed. Make sure you have at least 15 Mbps for upload and 5Mbps for download. If you don’t know your internet speed, you can google ‘internet speed test’ which will allow you to test your internet speed for free.
Have a flashlight handy so that we can look at your child’s mouth and throat
For Lactation Consult visits, please obtain an accurate weight of your infant with his/her diaper on. You do not need to check temperature or other vital signs.
For all other visits, please obtain the following information about your child as able:
- weight
- temperature
- heart rate (count heart rate for 60 seconds)
- the names of medicines your child has been taking
- a list of your child’s symptoms including how long each has been present and if the symptoms are getting better or worse
- information about your child’s energy level and how he/she is eating, drinking, and sleeping
- For skin concerns: please take clear, well-lit photos of the affected area and email them before the visit. This helps ensure accurate assessment in case video quality is limited.

The Benefits of Telemedicine

Telemedicine offers numerous benefits for pediatric care:

Convenience

Parents can schedule appointments at times that work best for their families without the need for travel. You may not need to take time off from work or arrange for child care.

Accessibility

Telemedicine makes it easier for families living in rural or remote areas to access quality pediatric care without the need for long-distance travel.

Continuity of Care

Telemedicine allows for continuous monitoring and follow-up of chronic conditions, ensuring that children receive consistent and timely care.

Cost-Effective

Telemedicine can reduce healthcare costs by eliminating travel expenses to the doctor’s office. Insurance companies often cover the cost of virtual visits, making it an affordable option for many families.

How to Find a Provider

Finding a telemedicine provider for pediatric care is simple. At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we offer a range of telemedicine services to cater to your child’s health needs.

Our team of experienced providers is here to provide high-quality medical care, whether through telemedicine or in-person visits. We are committed to the health and well-being of your child and strive to make healthcare as accessible and convenient as possible.

Your insurance company can provide further information on telemedicine services. You can easily find details on your insurer’s website or by giving them a call.

For those who do not have insurance or are concerned about the cost of a telemedicine appointment, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration offers an online tool to help you find a nearby health center that can assist you. Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov for more information.

Give Us a Call

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of telemedicine for your child’s healthcare needs, give us a call today at Pediatric Associates of Austin. Our friendly staff is here to help you schedule an appointment and answer any questions you may have about our telemedicine services. Let us provide the compassionate, comprehensive care your child deserves, right from the comfort of your home.