Here are some answers to questions you may have about the reopening of nonurgent and nonemergency pediatric care.

Published: May 12, 2020

Phase 1 of Kentucky’s Healthy at Work plan called for the reopening of nonurgent/nonemergency health care services, diagnostic radiology and laboratory services on April 27. The plan also recommends that telehealth appointments should be used whenever possible, rather than in-person visits. Your pediatric health care provider will review your child’s situation to assess whether a telehealth appointment is right for your child.

We look forward to serving you with compassionate care. Below are answers to some questions you may have about office visits to our pediatric providers moving forward.

What if I already have an appointment?

Your provider will review your child’s chart the day before your scheduled visit. A staff member will call you to let you know whether you should keep your appointment in person or have a telehealth visit instead. If an in-person appointment is recommended, staff will ask you about COVID-19 risk factors to ensure everyone’s safety for an in-person appointment. If you or your child have certain risk factors or are experiencing symptoms, staff will reevaluate your appointment type and discuss the next steps with you.

What if I need to schedule a new appointment?

A telehealth appointment will be scheduled for you if your provider determines it is appropriate. If an in-person appointment is recommended, and one is available within the next 24 hours, staff will ask you about COVID-19 risk factors to ensure everyone’s safety for an in-person appointment. If you or your child have certain risk factors or are experiencing symptoms, staff will reevaluate your appointment type and discuss the next steps with you.

What do I need to know about coming to an in-person appointment?

Our goal is to protect our patients against exposure to any virus.

• Staff will call you before your appointment so we may instruct you how to enable text notifications from us.
• The day before your appointment, staff will remind you to bring masks from home if you have them. If you do not have masks, we may provide them when you arrive.
• Following the instructions we will give you, notify us when you arrive. Staff will send you a text when it is time for you to leave your car and enter the office.

A staff member will check your temperature and your child’s temperature before you enter. If your temperature is high, staff will explain what you should do next. If your temperature is normal, you will go straight to the exam room for your child’s appointment.

Children with appointments may be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

For your continued safety, once your visit is complete, we ask that you leave the practice immediately. Our staff will perform an electronic checkout for you through MyNortonChart or will call you after your visit.

What do I need to know about a telehealth appointment?

Telehealth appointments allow you to meet with your provider face-to-face through a secure online video connection. Telehealth appointments are covered by most insurance plans, similar to an office visit. Self-pay options are available.

To be eligible for a telehealth appointment, you must:

• Have proxy access to your child’s MyNortonChart account
• Have a smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer device with the MyChart app downloaded
• Be in Kentucky or Indiana at the time of the visit

Staff will provide additional information to help you prepare for your telehealth appointment.