Before the Appointment

Gather Information

Medications: Have the containers out or a list of your child’s medications ready. If you need refills, let the provider know and make sure they send the refills to your preferred pharmacy.

Numbers: The provider may ask for your child’s height, weight, temperature or other measures of health, so take these measures as close to the appointment as possible.

Questions: Write down and prioritize your concerns or questions that you want need answered.

Plan of Care: Be ready to share updates from other providers or specialists, any relevant information about school or community support, and any changes to your child’s care plan.

Set up for Success

Location: Choose a place in your home where you can sit comfortably and set your phone, laptop or tablet on a stable surface with reliable internet access. Make sure there is

• • • enough light,
    • no glare, and
    • no window behind you (if possible)

Noise Level: Find a quiet space and let other family members know that you will be on a video or phone call with your child’s provider. Also, put your pet in another room so it won’t disrupt the appointment.

Power: Make sure your device is charged or plugged into an electrical outlet.

Download Apps and Have Your Login and Password: Try the telemedicine platform or app before the appointment and have handy the instructions your provider’s office sent to you.

Telephone Numbers: Make sure you have the provider’s (or clinic’s) phone number available in case you have any technical issues.

Ask for Accommodations: If you need a translator or closed captioning, request this before your visit—ideally when you make the appointment or several weeks in advance.

Timing Your Appointment: If possible, don’t schedule appointments at mealtimes, naptimes or at the end of a long day.

Prepare Your Child

Roleplay: Let your child know what to expect by roleplaying or social stories to explain the appointment. If possible, have a family member on standby to help if your child needs a break. Make sure your child has a snack, has used the restroom, is comfortable, and has toys and books close by.

Dress for an Exam: Dress your child in clothes that are loose and can be removed easily in case a virtual exam is needed. Prepare your child if you think the provider may ask to see an area of their body.

Just Before the Appointment

Test: Make sure the camera, microphone and internet are all working.

Close Other Apps: To keep your connection strong, close the other apps on the device that you’ll be using for the appointment.

Have a Pen and Paper: You may want to take notes.

Position the Camera: Angle the camera to let the medical provider see both you and your child clearly.  

During the Appointment

Be Patient: Like an in-person medical visit, you may have to wait a few minutes for the provider to join the video or phone call.

Be Ready: You may be asked to hold the camera close to your child or take a photo of an area of their body.

Step Away: If you have a teen, you may need to briefly leave the room and let the provider talk with your child alone. This is not unusual.

Before Your Appointment Ends

Pause: Check your list of concerns and questions. Make sure you have covered everything.

Summarize Treatment Plans: Make sure your provider briefly reviews the treatment plan and next steps for your child.

Your Next Steps: Read back to the provider what you will do after the visit. Will you need to make a follow-up appointment, or will the clinic call you? Will the provider call in refills or a new prescription? Confirm they will be sending the new prescription to the correct pharmacy.

After the Appointment

Advocate for What is Best

Contact the Provider’s Office: Were you able to get what you needed, have your questions and concerns addressed during the visit? If not, call or email to follow up.

Let the Provider Know Your Preference: Tell your provider if you want to continue with virtual visits or if an in-person visit is better for you and your child. Be sure you consider things like exposing your child to viruses, winter driving conditions, and changing schedules at home, school and therapy.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.