FAQs About Virtual Visits
You are likely new to virtual visits (telehealth) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and we have identified virtual visits for some of our patient families. This is a convenient way for you and your child to access health care services when deemed appropriate by your provider. If you are scheduled for an upcoming virtual visit at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, please read the resources below that will help you understand how to best prepare for your virtual visit, including instructions on how to join your virtual visit via our WebEx technology by computer or mobile phone.
What is a virtual visit?
Virtual visits (also called telehealth visits) use videoconferencing technology (similar to FaceTime or Skype) to provide health care services when the provider and patient are in different locations.
What should I do before my appointment?
We suggest that you do a test of the WebEx tool before your first appointment to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly. See below the step-by-step instructions to do a test in the "Before Your Appointment" section.
How does it work?
The virtual visit appointment will be with your provider, the same type of provider you see at CHLA. You can be at home, at work, at school or anywhere that is quiet and private. The provider will see you in real time and talk to you, recommend care and answer your questions, but will not be in the same room with you.
What do you or your child need?
A virtual visit can be done on your computer, tablet, mobile phone or any device with a speaker, a video camera and a connection to the internet/WiFi. You will access the appointment through a link that CHLA will send to you by email.
Benefits
You can be seen by your provider sooner than if you wait for the next available in-person appointment, and you do not need to drive to CHLA for your appointment.
What are my options?
You do not have to do a virtual visit appointment if you do not want to. This will not affect your access to care or treatment, or cause you to lose any program benefits to which you are entitled. If you would prefer to wait for a regular, in-person appointment at CHLA, let your clinic know.
How much does a virtual visit cost?
A virtual visit is no different from an in-person visit. We will bill your health insurance provider and you will be responsible for any co-payment you typically make, just like with in-person visits.
