Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Virtual Visit

Online Appointments for Your Child

We know seeing your child’s doctor is important. In an effort to keep our patients healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is now offering virtual visits.

What is a virtual visit?

A virtual visit allows you to connect with your child’s doctor in real time using video through your computer, smartphone or tablet. This is sometimes called a telemedicine visit. A virtual visit allows you to have a doctor’s visit without taking your child into a clinic.

How can I get a virtual visit?

Your child’s doctor will determine whether the appointment can be done online through a virtual visit. A scheduler will contact you to discuss your options and explain the steps to begin a virtual visit. If you’re interested in a virtual visit, contact your child’s doctor.

You must have a MYchart account in order to have a virtual visit with a Children’s provider. A Children’s scheduler will need to help you start this process by sending you an activation email.

Completing the eCheck-in

Download a tip sheet on completing the eCheck-in:

Before beginning your virtual visit, you must login to MYchart and complete the following:

  1. Confirm your personal information.
  2. Upload your child’s insurance information. You will only need to do this for your first visit. For other visits, you will just confirm your information is still correct.
  3. Complete a health history questionnaire.
  4. Sign your e-consent forms:
    • Consent to Treat–Physician Practice
    • Consent Telehealth
    • MYC Proxy Authorization Form: This gives a parent or guardian the right to make healthcare decisions for a child.
  5. When the eCheck-in process is complete, log out of MYchart. You can do this up to seven days before your child’s virtual visit.

If not previously completed, we will need to confirm your identity as the child’s legal guardian. You will receive an email, directing you to login to MYchart.

Starting your Virtual Visit

Download a tip sheet on starting your virtual visit:

Once you’ve completed your eCheck-in by submitting your forms and uploading your ID, you will be ready to start your visit. When it’s time for your appointment, you will:

  1. Go to the MYchart home page to sign in with your username and password.
  2. Select your child to be seen during the virtual visit using the people icon on the top of the screen.
  3. Select the ‘visits” tab with the calendar icon.
  4. When it’s time for your appointment, select the “begin video visit” blue button.

Plan your visit

  • Add at least 30 minutes before you visit.
  • If you’re using a smart phone turn off notifications.
  • If you’re using a computer connect to internet and use Google Chrome for best experience.
  • Exit any video streaming software or apps (those used for video chat, watching movies and listening to music) that may cause issues with your camera and video during the virtual visit. Have other people in your house do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are virtual visits helpful for my child?

The provider will be able to see your child and talk to you without having to take your child into an office visit. With a virtual visit, the provider may:

  • Ask how your child is doing.

  • Talk with you about your child’s healthcare needs, including his plan of care and medicines.

  • Give you a chance to ask questions.

Can another person join the visit?

Yes. You can invite another person once you’ve joined the visit by clicking the “Invite” button and entering their email address. Then, they will be able to join by using their computer, smartphone or tablet.

Is my visit private and secure?

Yes. This platform is built to protect patient privacy and keep information secure. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to protecting your child’s health information and following Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) standards. To learn more about HIPAA, talk with your child’s care team. The visit will be documented in your child’s medical record.

Should I use a computer, smartphone or tablet?

You may choose whether to use a computer, smartphone or tablet. Whichever you choose must have a camera.

  • To use a computer, you must be able to connect to the internet. Use Google Chrome as your internet browser for the best experience.

  • To use a smartphone or tablet, you must first download the free MYchart app.

Is Wi-Fi required?

No. If you choose to use your computer and you do not have Wi-Fi, try to use high-speed broadband internet access (cable or DSL) if possible. If you choose to use your smartphone or tablet, Wi-Fi is advised for the best experience.

How can I prepare for the visit?

  • Have a list of your child’s medications and dosages.

  • Get a pen and paper to take notes during the visit.

  • Charge your device or make sure to plug it in.

  • Be sure to exit any video streaming software or apps (those used for video chat, watching movies and listening to music) that may cause issues with your camera and video during the virtual visit. Have other people in your house do the same.

  • Login to MYchart 15 to 30 minutes prior to your child’s scheduled visit. You must complete the eCheck-in process before you can join the visit. You may complete the eCheck-in process up to seven days before the virtual visit, but you will not be able to join the visit until the scheduled time.

What should I do to help make sure the provider can see and hear me during the visit?

  • Choose a room that it is as quiet as possible. Try closing the door to keep out noise and help keep your child’s visit private.

  • If you are using a smartphone or tablet, hold it at eye level so the provider can see your face. If you are using a computer, adjust the camera.

  • If you are sitting near a window, face the light.

What can I expect after I am directed to the virtual waiting room?

Your child’s provider will be able to tell when you have joined the visit. When it is time for the visit, the provider will connect to video. You should then be able to see the provider and the provider will be able to see you.

What happens if there are problems with the connection?

  • If the video disconnects prior to the end of your visit, you may click the blue “Begin Video Visit” button again to reconnect.

  • When you first join the visit, you will be asked to enter a phone number where you can be reached. If you and the provider continue to have trouble connecting by video, your provider can call you. The provider may call using their computer. If so, the number will not be a Children’s phone number.

Will I receive an after-visit summary (AVS)?

Yes. After your visit, the care team will send your child’s AVS , which are also called care instructions. You will be able to view the AVS through your child’s MYchart account.

Will insurance cover my visit?

Yes. If you have insurance, the coverage will most often be similar to coverage for regular office visits. During COVID-19, payers are waiving copays for virtual visits.

What do I do if I need to cancel my child’s visit?

Call 404-785-KIDS (5437) or your child’s provider to cancel the virtual visit, just as you would for an office visit. Call ahead of time. You cannot cancel the visit in MYchart.

Talk with your child’s doctor or a member of your child’s healthcare team about specific care of your child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.