As a parent, few things are more stressful than seeing your child unwell, especially when you’ve just moved to a new town. My son, Ethan, started feeling ill just days after we settled in. Initially, I dismissed his complaints, thinking he was merely being dramatic. However, by dinnertime, it was evident something was wrong. His face was flushed, his appetite had vanished, and he soon complained of a sore throat. When I took a closer look, I was shocked to see it was red and inflamed. Shortly after, he began vomiting—every ten minutes.
In a panic, I realized I hadn’t found a pediatrician yet, and it was after hours. The thought of dragging my sick child to an urgent care clinic or emergency room felt daunting, especially with the uncertainty of long wait times. Typically, I adopt a “wait and see” approach when my kids are sick, but this time was different. I urgently searched for “online doctor” and was thrilled to discover telemedicine—a service many insurance plans now cover. What a relief! I couldn’t believe I hadn’t utilized this earlier in my life as someone who tends to avoid traditional doctor’s offices.
I quickly downloaded an app on my smartphone, entered some basic details (insurance info, patient data, etc.), and uploaded a couple of photos of Ethan’s throat. Selecting a doctor from a list was easy, and the waiting experience was much more comfortable than a typical waiting room—I was in my living room, wearing comfy yoga pants, and could keep Ethan cozy on the couch. The app even informed me of our position in the queue. Within fifteen minutes, the doctor appeared on my screen.
The experience was akin to a video call. The doctor introduced herself and asked me to describe the issue. I explained Ethan’s symptoms and mentioned the photos I had sent. After reviewing them, she inquired further, prompting me to take his temperature. I even directed the camera toward his throat for a live view. She diagnosed him with strep throat, which was surprising to me since I didn’t know it could cause vomiting in children. She provided me with some comparison photos and sent a prescription for antibiotics directly to my local pharmacy, allowing me to pick it up within an hour. Within a short time after his first dose, Ethan was finally able to rest. Thank you, technology!
Since that experience, I’ve utilized online doctor visits for my children far more frequently than I ever did with in-person appointments. The convenience is unmatched: shorter wait times and the flexibility to move around my home while waiting. Additionally, these visits are generally quicker since they don’t require routine checks like height, weight, or blood pressure.
While online consultations are ideal for easily identifiable conditions like rashes or pinkeye, there are certainly instances that necessitate an in-person evaluation. However, for those moments when I need a quick medical opinion—especially after hours or when my children are too unwell to travel—it’s comforting to have an alternative to simply waiting it out. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural locations or during inclement weather.
One of the best aspects? I don’t have to dress my sick kids or struggle to get them into the car. We can skip the lengthy waits in crowded waiting rooms, and as long as the examination is waist-up, pants are optional.
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In summary, the advent of online doctor visits has revolutionized how we approach healthcare for our families. The convenience, speed, and comfort they provide make them an invaluable option for parents everywhere.