As the Chance family grows, virtual visits allow mom and dad to keep up with each child’s health appointments where and when it’s most convenient for everyone – home.
For large families, busy families or families with special needs, finding time to schedule health appointments can be challenging. Thankfully, Akron Children’s virtual visits offer families more options to get the care they need at a location most convenient to them – home.
For busy mom of 4, Rebecca Chance, MyChart telehealth appointments make getting care easier for the whole family.
“Even though we only live 15 minutes away from Akron, we started using telehealth during COVID-19. It quickly became one of our favorite ways to schedule appointments because it’s so convenient,” said Rebecca. “We don’t have to leave the comfort of home or load everyone up in the car for one appointment.”
Aleshia Lewis, mom of 3, from Wakeman, Ohio agrees.
“I don’t like to schedule appointments during the school day and after school is hard because everyone has sports during the week,” said Aleshia. “With telehealth, I can schedule before or after school and even during a practice, because I can get care right from my phone while we sit in the parking lot.”
For Aleshia’s son, Payton, driving into Akron to keep up with his checkups for ADHD and anxiety causes him stress that affects him for the rest of the day.
“I used to have to plan a 4-hour window for appointments to allow for drive and appointment time, which would cause Payton to miss part of his school day,” said Aleshia. “This would throw off his whole day, because it messed up his routine and then he’d be in a bad mood.”
MyChart telehealth visits allow Payton to keep to his daily routine and help him feel more comfortable talking to his provider.
Fitting in appointments at home allows Payton to stick to his routine and puts him at ease with his provider.
“Payton was so uncomfortable with in-person visits; he wouldn’t talk or look at the doctor,” said Aleshia. “He is more comfortable with appointments from home. He brings an extra chair in the office for the call and holds his cat most of the times… One of the biggest things we achieved from telehealth is Payton now talks directly with his doctor!”
Virtual visits also give patients, and parents, an opportunity to connect with providers privately.
“If there is something I need to talk with the doctor about that I prefer Payton not hear, I will let him leave the room early,” adds Aleshia. “He sees it as he did good and gets done early, but it gives me some privacy to share concerns or questions openly with the doctor without making him worry.”
Akron Children’s offers 2 types of virtual visits: Quick Care Online, an on-demand care option that serves as a convenient alternative to urgent care for minor illnesses, and MyChart telehealth, a remote option for scheduled primary or specialty care visits. Both types of virtual visits can be conducted via a home PC, smart phone or tablet.
Get started: How to schedule a virtual visit in MyChart
To request or schedule a virtual visit, go to www.akronchildrens.org/virtualvisits or log into MyChart. Virtual visits are secure and HIPAA compliant.
