Telehealth

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth, or a “virtual visit,” allows you to consult with one of our providers via video conferencing. This convenient option lets you or your child receive care from home, with your regular physician who knows your full medical history and has access to your medical chart.

Virtual visits are available for both pediatric and adult patients and are ideal for many acute care concerns, including:

  • Medication Refill
  • Lab results
  • Behavioral and mental health concerns


Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. If you're unsure whether a virtual visit is right for you or your child, feel free to call us, and we’ll guide you to the best care option.

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Before Your Appointment

To help ensure a smooth Telehealth visit, please prepare by following these steps:


  1. Have current medications, including inhalers or spacers, available and ready to show during the visit.
  2. Prepare any questions you may have in advance so you don’t forget them during the appointment.

Being prepared helps us provide the best possible care during your Telehealth visit!

Different Types of Telehealth Appointments

While Telehealth is a convenient and effective option for many conditions, there are certain limitations to virtual visits. Some acute care concerns cannot be fully evaluated via video conferencing. For example, we cannot:

  • Listen to your lungs or evaluate ear pain
  • Assess significant coughs or respiratory concerns
  • Perform physical exams that require hands-on evaluation (e.g., sore throat, abdominal pain)
  • Conduct tests like urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep, or flu testing

After a video consultation, if we determine that an in-person examination is necessary, we may ask you to come into the office for a follow-up sick visit to provide a more thorough physical exam.

Telehealth appointments can be scheduled through our front desk or patient portal. If you’re unsure whether your concern can be addressed virtually, please call us, and we'll help guide you to the best option.

Telehealth FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions on telehealth.

  • How do I take a temperature?

    How Do I Take a Temperature?

    When Is There a Fever?


    A fever is present when the temperature is:


    Rectal, Forehead, or Ear: 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher


    Oral (mouth): 100.0°F (37.8°C) or higher


    Armpit: 99.0°F (37.2°C) or higher


    Note: Ear temperatures are not accurate for infants under 6 months.


    Best Place to Take the Temperature


    Most accurate: Rectal


    Very accurate: Forehead


    Accurate if used correctly: Oral and Ear


    Least accurate (screening only): Armpit


    Temperature by Age


    Infants under 3 months:

    Use armpit for screening. If ≥99°F, recheck rectal or forehead and contact your provider right away.


    3 months–4 years:

    Rectal or forehead preferred. Ear thermometer may be used after 6 months.


    4 years and older (children, teens & adults):

    Oral, ear, or forehead temperatures are appropriate.


    How to Take the Temperature


    Rectal (infants & young children):

    Use lubricant. Insert gently (½ inch for infants, 1 inch max). Stop if resistance.


    Armpit:

    Place in dry armpit. Hold arm against body until it beeps.


    Oral:

    Place under tongue. Keep lips closed. Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking.


    Ear (6 months+):

    Pull ear back (up and back for older children and adults). Aim toward opposite eye.


    Forehead:

    Place on forehead and follow thermometer instructions.

  • How do I take a pulse?

    How to Check a Pulse (Heart Rate)

    What You’ll Need


    A watch with a second hand or a stopwatch app


    A quiet place where the child or adult can sit or lie comfortably


    If the person has been active (running, crying, exercising), wait at least 5 minutes before checking the pulse.


    How to Feel a Pulse


    Use your index and middle fingers (do not use your thumb).


    Press gently on the skin until you feel a steady throbbing.


    Once found, count the beats for 30 seconds, then double the number to get beats per minute (BPM).


    Common Places to Check a Pulse


    Neck (carotid pulse) – Children, teens, and adults

    Gently press to the side of the windpipe, avoiding the Adam’s apple.


    Wrist (radial pulse) – Children, teens, and adults

    Place fingers at the base of the thumb and slide down to the wrist.


    Armpit (axillary pulse) – Infants

    Press gently in the armpit near the arm bone.


    Inside of the elbow (brachial pulse) – Infants

    Place fingers on the inner side of the elbow crease.


    Counting the Pulse


    Count beats for 30 seconds


    Multiply by 2 to get the heart rate

    (Example: 45 beats in 30 seconds = 90 BPM)


    Using Devices


    Smartphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches can also measure pulse.


    For best results, the person should be still and relaxed.


    These devices work best for older children and adults.

  • How do I measure a respiratory rate?

    How to Measure a Respiratory Rate (Breathing Rate)


    Have the child or adult sit or lie down quietly.


    Set a timer for 30 seconds.


    Count how many times the chest rises.


    Double the number to get the respiratory rate (breaths per minute).


    Call 911 Immediately If There Are Signs of Breathing Trouble


    For infants, children, or adults, seek urgent help if you notice:


    Bluish color around the lips or mouth


    Pale, gray, or bluish skin


    Grunting with each breath


    Flaring of the nostrils


    Significant wheezing or noisy breathing


    Upper chest or neck pulling in with each breath

  • How to Weigh and Measure Your Child or Teen

    For best results:


    Remove shoes, bulky clothing, and hair accessories.


    Measure on a hard floor (not carpet) against a flat wall with no molding.


    Have the child or teen stand with:


    • Feet flat and together

    • Legs straight, arms at sides

    • Shoulders level

    Make sure they are looking straight ahead, with eyes level to the floor.


    The head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels should touch the wall if possible.


    Place a flat object (such as a book) on top of the head at a right angle to the wall.


    Mark where the bottom of the object meets the wall.


    Measure from the floor to the mark using a tape measure.


    Record the height to the nearest ⅛ inch or 0.1 cm.

  • Measuring Weight Accurately At Home
    1. Use a digital scale. Avoid using bathroom scales that are spring-loaded. Place the scale on firm flooring (such as tile or wood) rather than carpet.
    2. Have the child or teen remove shoes and heavy clothing, such as sweaters.
    3. Have the child or teen stand with both feet in the center of the scale.
    4. Record the weight to the nearest decimal fraction (for example, 55.5 pounds or 25.1 kilograms).