How to prepare for a video visit about COVID-19

Audience: pediatric

Preparing for a video visit about COVID-19 can help you and your child get the most from the appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, exposure, and medical history to guide care. It's important to have information ready, such as recent symptoms, any COVID-19 tests done, and questions you want to ask. Video visits are a safe way to get medical advice without leaving home, especially for children. However, if your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek in-person care immediately. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about COVID-19, what to expect, and when to seek urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or is gasping for air — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child’s lips or face turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Child is very sleepy, hard to wake, or not responding — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek testing or in-person care.
• Answering questions about COVID-19 prevention and vaccination.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests.
• Administering treatments or medications in person.
• Assessing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

What to do before the video visit

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What to expect during the video visit

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When to seek in-person care

Seek emergency care if your child has:

If your child’s symptoms worsen quickly or you are very worried, call emergency services or go to the nearest healthcare facility.

How telemedicine helps with COVID-19 care

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Limitations of a video visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good lighting for the video call.
• Test your device’s camera, microphone, and internet connection before the visit.
• Have your child's recent symptom history and any COVID-19 test results ready.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Keep a thermometer and any medications your child is taking nearby.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on symptom monitoring and care.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or testing.
• Keep track of your child’s symptoms and report any worsening immediately.
• Practice recommended infection control measures at home.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have new questions or concerns.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose COVID-19 in my child?

A video visit can help a healthcare provider assess symptoms and decide if your child needs COVID-19 testing. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a laboratory test, which cannot be done during the video visit.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If your child’s symptoms worsen or new emergency signs appear, seek in-person medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms change but are not emergencies.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child’s COVID-19 concerns?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe way to get medical advice while reducing exposure risks for your child and family. It helps you get timely guidance without leaving home, especially when symptoms are mild or moderate.

What information should I have ready for the video visit?

Have your child’s symptom details, any recent COVID-19 test results, medication list, and questions you want to ask. This helps the provider give the best advice during the visit.

Sources

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. COVID-19 and Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
3. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted? — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for education and triage only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care or professional diagnosis. If your child has emergency symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.