If you’ve ever tried to juggle your child’s well or sick visit while keeping them entertained in an exam room — and still remembering all the questions you wanted to ask — you're not alone. It’s a common parenting challenge.
But what if you could have that same important conversation with your pediatrician from the comfort of your own home? Maybe while your child naps, plays nearby or snacks happily in the background?
With Atrium Health Levine Children’s Pediatrics Virtual, now you can. Virtual well-child and sick visits are designed to give busy families more flexibility and more face time with their pediatrician.
“Our goal was to create a solution that was easier and less stressful for time-crunched families,” says Dr. Lyn Nuse, senior medical director of primary care at Atrium Health Levine Children’s. “Virtual primary care is an excellent option for families who prefer reduced in-office time, need more flexible scheduling and distraction-free time with their provider.”
Virtual pediatric care can address:
- Preventive care, including well-child visits
- Common health concerns, such as respiratory infections and skin conditions
- Chronic condition management, like asthma
- Behavioral health conditions, such as anxiety
- Medication management
What to expect at a virtual well-child visit
A cornerstone of pediatric virtual primary care is well-child visits. During a virtual well-child visit, your provider will:
- Review your child’s medical history.
- Assess your child through the video platform. During this time, the provider may ask your child to move around, speak or perform simple tasks to observe their development. After this part of the visit, your child is free to go play with their toys, a sibling or another caregiver if desired.
- Talk with you about your child’s development, behavior, nutrition, sleep, mental health and more.
- Answer any questions you may have about your child’s health and well-being.
Next, a team member will schedule an in-person follow-up visit for your child. During this brief exam at your nearest Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatric practice, another provider will:
- Briefly review what you and your virtual pediatrician discussed.
- Conduct a physical exam, including taking your child’s height and weight.
- Provide vaccinations or order lab work as needed.
While virtual care offers incredible convenience and access, certain parts of the physical exam still require an in-person visit for aspects that can’t be accurately assessed through a screen.
“That’s why we’re thoughtfully designing our practice to include strong partnerships with in-person clinics,” Nuse explains. “These collaborations allow us to provide comprehensive well-child care and manage certain conditions that require hands-on evaluation.”
Both visits are billed as one comprehensive visit, just like an in-person well-child visit.
What to expect at a virtual sick visit
When your child is under the weather, virtual visits make it easier to get care — fast. During a virtual sick visit, a pediatric provider will:
- Review your child’s symptoms and medical history.
- Guide you through at-home care and recommendations for over-the-counter treatments.
- Write prescriptions and send them directly to your pharmacy, if needed.
- Provide clear next steps, including when to seek in-person care.
Benefits of pediatric virtual primary care
Flexible scheduling for time-pressed families
Pediatric virtual primary care offers appointments seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Whether your day is full of meetings or your teenager has sports practice every weekday afternoon, you can now find a convenient time to meet with your child’s primary care provider for preventive care and sick visits.
More face time with your child’s provider
“Our virtual pediatric model offers flexible, extended visits that focus on patient and parent education,” says Nuse. “There’s also ample time to ask questions and have an expert address any concerns you may have about your child’s health.”
Less stress for kids and parents
Virtual visits also create a calmer environment for children, who can remain at home, surrounded by familiar toys, rather than feeling restless in a clinic. This approach allows providers to offer thoughtful, coordinated care that’s centered around the child’s needs.
Tech-friendly and accessible
Virtual visits are user-friendly and compatible with your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Convenient follow-up care
Your in-person pediatrician can refer your child to our virtual pediatric care team for follow-up visits and ongoing support. Whether you or your pediatrician choose to continue care virtually, you’ll have seamless access to both in-person and virtual providers working together to support your child’s health.
“For example, if a child is newly diagnosed with asthma, their in-person pediatrician can initiate care and schedule a follow-up appointment with our virtual team,” says Nuse. “The virtual provider can then spend more time explaining the condition, medications and daily management, working around the family’s schedule.”
Whichever care model suits your family best, Levine Children’s is here to support you. Learn more about Atrium Health Levine Children’s Pediatrics Virtual and what non-urgent, urgent and emergency care options are available for your family to meet your needs 24/7.
