How to prepare for a video visit about Hypothyroidism (Follow-up) in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child has hypothyroidism, regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider are important to keep their thyroid hormone levels balanced. A video visit, also called telemedicine, can be a convenient way to check on your child's health without leaving home. During the video visit, the doctor will review your child's symptoms, discuss any medication changes, and may order blood tests to monitor thyroid function. To get the most from the visit, prepare by gathering your child's medication list, recent lab results, and notes about any new symptoms or concerns. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but cannot replace in-person exams when needed. Always contact your healthcare provider or emergency services if your child has serious symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child becomes unconscious, has seizures, or severe confusion — call emergency services right away.
• Child has very low body temperature, extreme weakness, or stiff muscles — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medication adherence
• Discussing recent lab test results and ordering new tests
• Providing general advice on managing hypothyroidism
• Answering questions about thyroid health and treatment

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical exam or thyroid gland palpation
• Administering blood tests or imaging
• Managing emergency symptoms or severe health changes
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation

What is a Hypothyroidism Follow-up Video Visit?

A follow-up video visit for hypothyroidism is a remote appointment with your child's healthcare provider using video technology. It allows the doctor to check how well your child's thyroid condition is managed, discuss symptoms, adjust medicines if needed, and plan for any tests. This type of visit is often shorter and more convenient than in-person visits but still helps keep your child's health on track.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the appointment, gather important information to share with the doctor:

Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well. Have a family member or caregiver help if needed.

What to Expect During the Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will:

The doctor cannot perform a physical exam over video but can guide you on what to watch for at home.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Certain signs need urgent attention. Contact emergency services or take your child to the nearest emergency room if they have:

These symptoms may indicate a serious thyroid-related emergency.

Benefits and Limits of Telemedicine for Hypothyroidism

Telemedicine can save travel time, reduce exposure to illnesses, and make it easier to keep regular follow-ups. However, it cannot replace physical exams or urgent care when your child is very sick. Lab tests usually require visiting a lab or clinic. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice about when to come in person.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List all medications your child is taking, including doses and schedules.
• Gather recent blood test results related to thyroid function if available.
• Write down any new symptoms or concerns about your child's health.
• Prepare questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are working.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with a stable internet connection for the video call.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions about medication changes or tests.
• Schedule any recommended lab tests at a local facility.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and report any worsening or new concerns.
• Keep a record of the visit summary and any advice given.
• Plan the next follow-up appointment as advised.
• Seek in-person care if your child develops any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can my child’s thyroid medicine dose be changed during a video visit?

Yes, the healthcare provider may adjust your child's medication dose based on symptoms and recent lab results. However, changes are made carefully and often require follow-up testing to ensure safety.

Do I need to have blood tests done before the video visit?

If recent blood tests are available, share the results during the visit. Sometimes, the doctor will order new tests to be done before or after the appointment to check thyroid hormone levels.

What if my child feels worse after the video visit?

If your child’s symptoms worsen or new serious symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. For emergencies like trouble breathing or unconsciousness, seek emergency care immediately.

Is a video visit as good as an in-person visit for hypothyroidism?

Video visits are useful for routine follow-up and discussion but cannot replace physical exams or urgent care. Your provider will advise when an in-person visit is necessary.

How can I help my child prepare for the video visit?

Explain the visit in simple terms, ensure your child is comfortable, and have their medication and health information ready. Being calm and prepared helps the visit go smoothly.

Sources

1. Hypothyroidism in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hypothyroidism — Mayo Clinic.
3. Thyroid Disorders in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine guidance is not a substitute for in-person care when needed. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions about your child's health or symptoms.