Doug Palmer, a social worker at Akron Children’s, greets patients during a scheduled MyChart virtual visit.
As more of us get comfortable with interfacing remotely – at school, work and even for social functions – the idea of getting health care delivered virtually is also taking off.
“We’re seeing more interest in virtual visits because busy families like options and technology is allowing us to provide convenient care while maintaining the high quality we are known for,” said Sarah Rush, MD, chief medical information officer, neuro-oncology director and Marci M. Matthews Endowed Chair in Telehealth at Akron Children’s. “We’re continuing to enhance features and access to our virtual visits based on patient feedback to ensure we’re delivering what families need, where and when they need it most.”
Akron Children’s offers several types of virtual visits that are conducted with a home PC, smart phone or tablet: Quick Care Online, an on-demand care option that serves as a convenient alternative to urgent care for minor illnesses, and MyChart virtual visit, a remote option for scheduled primary or specialty care visits.
In addition, scheduled virtual visits in the office keep patients closer to home when connecting with a primary care provider or specialist. This option is available at Akron Children’s Pediatrics offices in Mansfield, Sandusky, Oberlin and (soon at) Marietta. Many schools that use Akron Children’s School Health Services now offer virtual visits to connect patients, parents and providers during the school day.
Virtual visits – on-demand via Quick Care Online or scheduled via MyChart virtual visit – fit into busy family schedules when childcare, transportation or timing are a challenge.
Quick Care Online (on-demand, get care now)
This virtual visit option provides families with a safe and convenient way to connect with a pediatric health care provider for many minor illnesses. Anyone 6 months to under age 21 in Ohio can get an evaluation without an appointment from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Quick Care Online is ideal when unexpected, minor care needs such as allergy and sinus, rashes or pink eye infections occur, but getting to an urgent care center is challenging. Since Quick Care Online is done remotely, it also helps families avoid any wait time in a public waiting room setting.
Request a Quick Care Online visit here. Most major insurance companies, including Medicaid options, are accepted. This self-pay option can be utilized and charged to a credit or debit card at the time of care, regardless of the length of the visit.
MyChart (scheduled, primary or specialty care)
An alternative to a scheduled, in-person visit, Akron Children’s patients can ask for virtual visit appointments with primary care and some specialty care providers to alleviate the burden of finding time or transportation to get to an in-office visit.
MyChart virtual visit is ideal for follow-up or on-going care appointments, as well as referral and preventative care visits. Providers from various specialties at Akron Children’s offer exams, assessments and treatment during typical office hours, while patients access care from home or a location most convenient for them.
Schedule a MyChart virtual visit appointment here. All charges are billed as a typical in-person visit and are submitted through insurance.
“I think some families may have been hesitant about virtual visits at first because they were worried they wouldn’t be able to ‘connect’ with providers in the same way as they do during an in-person visit,” said Dr. Rush. “What we’re seeing now is more than 80% of patients who have had a virtual visit say they’re likely to recommend it to others or use it again…and they are.”
To request or schedule a virtual visit, go to www.akronchildrens.org/virtualvisit. Virtual visits are secure and HIPAA compliant.
Quick Care Online open hours and participants’ age range has changed. Be sure to check Quick Care Online for complete details.
