The ChildHealth Center, PA

Telemedicine is a way in which can see each other through a browser on your computer, tablet, or smart phone and conduct a virtual visit.  

While this can be used for many types of visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, it cannot be used for all conditions.  Below is a list of the common types of visits we can, and cannot provide via telemedicine.  Telemedicine visits for other symptoms may be available and are at the discretion of the nurse or provider. Please call 322-4453 during regular business hours to inquire about a telemedicine visit appointment.  We still need to schedule these like an in office vitis so that we can allow sufficient time for this service. These visits will be scheduled during regular office hours.  We may determine during the telemedicine visit that your child needs to come in to the office for a physical exam or lab work, and if so, we will make arrangements during that during the virtual visit.

It is essential that we continue to vaccinate your children on schedule to help protect them from the vaccine-preventable illnesses.  Pre-K, 11-year-old, and 16-year-old visits are still a priority.  Well-child checkups for children from birth to 2 years old allow us to monitor growth and development as well as administer vaccinations. 

Telemedicine visits can be used for:

• Mental health (such as ADHD, depression, anxiety)
• Rashes (diaper rash, acne, eczema, contact dermatitis)
• Asthma- continued maintenance care (but NOT an acute flare with coughing or wheezing)
• Constipation
• Pink eye
• Allergies
• Diarrhea
• Menstrual concerns
• Obesity treatment and prevention
• Fatigue

Telemedicine visits are NOT used for:

• Regular well-child checkups
• Breathing difficulties
  • cough
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
• Ear pain
• Unspecified fussiness
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Throat pain
• Headaches

 TELEHEALTH VERBAL INFORMED CONSENT

Before we can do a telemedicine visit, we need to obtain verbal consent from you.  Here is what you need to know:

Telehealth involves the communication of medical/mental health information in an electronic or technology-assisted format.

You may opt out of the telehealth visit at any time.

Telehealth billing information is collected in the same manner as a regular office visit, and you are subject the requirements of your insurance plan.

All electronic medical communications carry some level of risk. While the likelihood of risks associated with the use of telehealth in a secure environment is reduced, the risks are rare, but do exist. These risks include but are not limited to:

• It is easier for electronic communication to be forwarded, intercepted, or even changed without your knowledge and despite taking reasonable measures.

• Electronic systems that are accessed by employers, friends, or others are not secure and should be avoided. It is important to use a secure network.

• Despite reasonable efforts on the part of the healthcare provider, the transmission of medical information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures.

The information exchanged during the telehealth visit will be maintained by the healthcare providers. You must take reasonable steps to protect you and your child from unauthorized use of electronic communications by others.

The healthcare provider is not responsible for breaches of confidentiality caused by an independent third party or by you.

You agree to verify to the healthcare provider your identity and current location in connection with the telehealth services, and failure to comply with these procedures may terminate the telehealth visit.

You have a responsibility to verify the identity and credentials of the healthcare provider rendering care via telehealth and to confirm that he or she is your healthcare provider.

Please understand that a medical evaluation via telehealth may limit the healthcare provider’s ability to fully diagnose a condition or disease. You agree to accept responsibility for following the healthcare provider’s recommendations—including further diagnostic testing, such as lab testing, a biopsy, or an in-office visit.

One of our office staff will review this with you prior to the appointment and make certain any questions you have are answered.