Video Consultations for Sick Kiddos: The Future is Now, Permanently!
Permanent Availability of Video Consultations for Ailing Children - Permanent videoconferencing sessions available for ill kids
Hey there! Guess what, folks? Sick kids don't gotta suffer through long journeys and endless waiting times anymore! Officially starting October 1st, you'll be able to kick back and get your child's health issues sorted using video consultations thanks to the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Hesse (KVH)!
Yep, you heard that right! After a two-year trial, this video consultation service will become a permanent addition to the pediatric on-call service in Hesse. Previously, it was only available during off-peak hours and around holidays.
Armin Beck, the deputy chairman of KVH, shares that they've been trialing this video service and it's worked like a charm, so they're ready to bring it into the mainstream. The main goal? Saving your little ones the hassle of visiting an on-call center, and keeping them away from those pesky waiting times!
But how does this work, you ask?
Parents of ill children can make appointments via the hotline number 116117 between 9 am and 7 pm. For instance, on extended weekends like Corpus Christi (19th to 22nd June). Then, staff assesses the situation to see if the symptoms fit the bill for treatment via video, and arranges a video call with a pediatrician. You'll get a nifty link to join the appointment, and voilà!
However, not every issue can be sorted online. Severe injuries or very high fevers aren't suitable for online treatments, says Beck. But children with various rashes, conjunctivitis, stomach flu, or prescription requests can greatly benefit from these video consultations.
These video services started testing in October 2023, and since then, around 1,500 video treatments have taken place around holidays. Starting October 1st, the service will be available permanently, with specific hours set on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 pm to midnight, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 7 pm to midnight, and on weekends from 7 am to 7 pm.
Get this—these video services for emergency care aren't just for kiddos! Beck announced that they also plan to expand the service for adults soon!
Now, let's talk tech. These video consultations use secured digital platforms, fully certified for healthcare, that connect parents, pediatricians, and other medical specialists. Parents appreciate the convenience, the ease of access to specialist care, and the reduction in long trips and waiting times. The main challenge is the absence of a physical exam. But never you worry, these video consultations are here to complement, rather than replace, traditional pediatric care.
So there you have it, folks! Now, you won't have to sweat about tending to your little one's health issues and missing work or interrupting their routine. Go ahead and give video consultations a shot. After all, your peace of mind is priceless!
- Video consultation
- Children
- Telemedicine
- Weekend
- Frankfurt am Main
- Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
- Hesse
Source and Enrichment Data
- As part of the expanding health-and-wellness initiatives, the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Hesse (KVH) is implementing a community policy that incorporates vocational training in telemedicine, specifically for video consultations, to ensure the smooth transition of these services not only for children but also for adults in the future.
- In the realm of science and technology, the adoption of video consultation – a service that allows children to receive medical attention via digital platforms – is revolutionizing health-and-wellness in Hesse, making it possible for parents to access vocational training opportunities in telemedicine, ultimately providing improved, convenient, and efficient care for their children.
