Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital offers video appointments (telehealth/telemedicine) for follow-up care in a majority of our specialty clinics. Video appointments connect you directly to your child’s provider through a secure, live, interactive platform. Patients and families can video chat with their care team from the comfort of their own home or another convenient location, saving time and travel costs for participants while also limiting any risks associated with travel during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
What technology is needed for a video appointment?
Video appointments can take place on any mobile smartphone such as an iPhone or Android, tablets like an iPad or on a computer with internet connection and a camera.
What is the video appointment process like?
Video appointments are similar to face-to-face visits you would have in one of our clinics. Before your visit, you will be asked to complete an online consent form. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with step-by-step instructions for downloading the video appointment software to your device.
To begin your visit, you will click on a secure video link. Once in the virtual waiting room, your provider will be notified and will connect with you through the video system. You’ll be able to interact in real time, share diagrams, review any labs or medications and communicate as you normally would in a face-to-face visit.
Your provider will review your child’s symptoms, answer any questions you might have and discuss next steps for care. A typical video appointment usually lasts about 45 minutes.
How much do video appointments cost?
Video appointments are billed and paid the same way as regular office visits — either through your insurance or by self-pay. You will still need to pay any applicable copayments for a visit. If your child needs any testing or labs after the virtual visit, these will be billed separately.
How will I know if my insurance covers a video appointment?
If you are interested in verifying your insurance coverage, call your insurer and ask if you have a “telehealth” benefit as part of your plan. If so, ask if your appointment with a Le Bonheur provider through the “Vidyo” telehealth platform is covered.
Also, be sure to ask if there is a co-pay associated with this type of visit.
What clinics offer video appointments?
Virtual visits are offered in more than 20 specialty clinics at Le Bonheur, including Allergy/Asthma, Cardiology, Dermatology, Developmental Pediatrics, Endocrinology, ENT, Gastroenterology, General Pediatrics, Genetics, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Sleep Medicine, Surgery and Urology.
How do I schedule a video appointment for my child?
If you are interested in having a video appointment, please call us at 901-287-7337 to find out if this type of appointment is appropriate for your child’s care.
