Can I request a telehealth visit with my child's specific pediatrician?

Yes. When you call to schedule, let us know which doctor you'd like to see and we will do our best to accommodate your request based on availability.

Is telehealth available after hours?

Yes. Our on-call pediatrician is available 24 hours a day and can conduct phone consultations and remote evaluations after our offices close. For after-hours concerns, call our main office number and you will be connected with the doctor on call.

What ages are eligible for telehealth visits?

We offer telehealth consultations for patients of all ages, from newborns through college-age young adults. For very young infants, our doctor may recommend an in-person visit depending on the nature of the concern.

Does insurance cover telehealth visits?

Coverage for telehealth varies by insurance plan. As we are out of network with all insurance providers, we will assist you in submitting claims to your insurance company. For specific questions about telehealth billing, please contact our office manager or biller.

What if the doctor determines my child needs to be seen in person after a telehealth visit?

If your pediatrician determines during the telehealth consultation that an in-person examination is needed, we will schedule an office visit as quickly as possible, often the same day or the next morning.

Pediatric Telehealth Visits in New York City

Sometimes the best care doesn't require leaving home. Whether your child has a mild illness, you need a follow-up consultation, or an in-person visit isn't practical, West End Pediatrics offers telehealth appointments that connect you directly with one of our own board-certified pediatricians by phone, photo review, or live video.

Telehealth is not a replacement for the hands-on care we provide in our offices, but it is a valuable option for many situations, and one that families across the Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, and greater Manhattan have come to rely on.

Virtual Pediatric Care When You Need It

Life in New York City moves fast, and there are times when getting to the office with a sick child is difficult. A sibling is napping, the weather is miserable, you're traveling, or your child's symptoms don't seem severe enough to warrant bundling up and heading out. In these moments, a telehealth visit allows you to consult with your pediatrician from the comfort of your home.

Our telehealth visits are conducted by the same doctors who see your child in person. This means you're not connecting with a random physician through a third-party app. You're speaking with someone who knows your child, has access to their medical history, and understands your family's approach to care.

When a Telehealth Visit May Be Right for Your Child

Telehealth is well suited for a number of common pediatric concerns. These include rashes and skin changes that can be evaluated visually, mild cold or flu symptoms where guidance on home care is needed, follow-up on a recently diagnosed illness or injury, medication questions or dosage adjustments, feeding and nutrition concerns for infants and toddlers, behavioral check-ins and follow-up on ongoing treatment plans, and after-hours consultations when the office is closed but the concern is not an emergency.

Our pediatricians will let you know if, after a telehealth evaluation, they recommend bringing your child in for an in-person examination. Some conditions simply require a hands-on assessment, and we will always be transparent about when that's the case.

How Our Telehealth Visits Work

Scheduling a telehealth appointment is simple. Call either of our offices and let our staff know you'd like a remote consultation. We offer three formats depending on what's most appropriate for your child's situation: a phone consultation, where the doctor calls you to discuss symptoms and provide guidance; a photo or video review, where you send images or a short video of symptoms such as a rash, swelling, or breathing pattern and the doctor evaluates and responds; or a live video visit, where you and your child connect with the doctor face-to-face through a secure video platform for a more comprehensive remote evaluation.

Your pediatrician will recommend the format best suited to the concern, and in many cases, the consultation can take place the same day you call.

Preparing for Your Child's Telehealth Appointment

To help your pediatrician make the most accurate assessment during a virtual visit, there are a few things you can do in advance. If your child has a fever, take their temperature and note the reading and time. If the concern involves a rash or visible symptom, take several close-up photos in good lighting. Write down all medications your child is currently taking, including the last dose of any fever reducers. If your child is coughing or having breathing difficulties, note their breathing rate by counting breaths per minute. And have any inhalers, spacers, or relevant medical devices nearby so the doctor can see them if needed.

These small steps make a meaningful difference in the quality of a remote evaluation and help your doctor provide the most accurate advice.

When an In-Person Visit Is Recommended

While telehealth is effective for many concerns, some situations are best evaluated in person. If your child has symptoms that require a physical examination, such as an ear infection that needs to be visualized, abdominal pain that requires palpation, or a breathing issue that needs to be listened to with a stethoscope, your pediatrician will recommend scheduling an in-office visit.

Our two Manhattan locations make in-person visits convenient for families across the city. Our Upper West Side office is open every day of the year, including weekends and holidays, and our Greenwich Village office is open Monday through Friday.