Telehealth Appointment vs. In-Office Sick Visit: Which is Best for Your Child?

Your child isn’t feeling so hot, has a new rash, or got a minor cut. It’s not a major concern, but enough of a worry that you’d like to get it checked out — but without the time and hassle of an in-person sick visit. Enter the option of a telehealth appointment.

Our expert team at Angel Kids Pediatrics can diagnose and treat a full scope of medical concerns, from illness and injury to behavioral health issues and chronic conditions — in addition to providing important yearly well-child visits. 

We offer telehealth appointments along with convenient in-person care at 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida. Here’s what to consider when deciding between an in-person visit and telehealth for your child’s pressing medical need.  

Benefits of telehealth care

Telehealth appointments have become more common — and more popular — since the pandemic. All they require is a smartphone, tablet, or web camera along with an internet connection. Plus, they come with a variety of benefits.

Packed schedule? No transportation? Kid who’s feeling miserable and doesn’t want to leave the house? Telehealth appointments provide the same personalized care with the comfort and convenience of being in your own home. Not having to juggle finding care for other children or having to risk exposure to more germs are other significant upsides of telehealth. 

When telehealth is a good option

The good news is there are plenty of instances when a telehealth appointment is a perfectly good option, including for illnesses like:

• Cold and flu
• Congestion; sore throat
• Pink eye; eye styes
• Abdominal pain 
• Vomiting and diarrhea 

Skin issues like a rash, infection, ringworm, eczema, and acne can often be assessed and treated virtually, too. Allergies and other chronic conditions can usually be monitored via telehealth, and follow-up appointments for previous issues may be able to be conducted remotely as well.

When to choose in-person visits

In-person doctor appointments provide unique benefits as well. These visits are best for any illnesses that may need blood work, urinalysis (such as in the case of a suspected urinary tract infection) or testing like if there’s a possibility of strep throat.

Also, if your child seems particularly unwell, lethargic, dehydrated, or feverish, an office visit might be warranted. More serious injuries should be seen in the office as well.

Two ways to access excellent care

In many ways, a telehealth appointment is similar to a traditional in-office visit. In both cases, your child’s pediatrician reviews their medical history and asks about their symptoms. 

At the office, their doctor may conduct an examination; during a telehealth visit, a video exam may be done with the parent or caregiver focusing the camera on the issue in question, such as a skin rash or pink eye.

In both cases, it can be helpful for parents and caregivers to prepare a list of questions and concerns in advance and bring a pen and paper to make notes if needed.

Juggling kids, work, and all life’s other commitments can be a challenge. Telehealth visits can be another option alongside in-person appointments for getting your child the health care they need, when they need it.  

Call or click online to schedule a visit — in person or via our telehealth portal — at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.