A Lasting Connection

Telehealth has become a beneficial tool for patients and providers alike

It’s no secret that telehealth use has gained in popularity. In a post-pandemic world, the convenience of connecting with medical professionals remotely, especially during off-hours, has been welcomed by many patients and providers. It’s helped to cut down on the stress, travel and time associated with in-person visits and its increased usage certainly reflects a growing trust and reliance on the service.

While these modern “house calls” should not completely replace in-person visits, many are opting for a hybrid approach to ensure comprehensive care and flexibility in managing their health. With more and more patients relying on telehealth, it will only become a further integral part of the health care landscape. And as with any technology, it will be adapted to better suit needs moving forward.

We spoke with Stephanie Lewis, senior director enterprise telehealth for Orlando Health, to find out more about the emergence, efficiency and evolution of telehealth.

In what ways is telehealth beneficial to both the provider and patient?

Telehealth offers numerous benefits for both clinicians and patients. For clinicians, it allows for more flexible scheduling, reduced no-show rates and the ability to extend care to remote or underserved areas. For patients, telehealth provides convenience, reduces travel time and can make accessing specialists easier. Meeting patients where they are, especially those with busy schedules, enhances the overall patient experience.

How does telehealth allow parents and their children to become more collaborative with their health care needs?

Telehealth makes health care a team effort, bringing parents and their children closer together in the process. Being able to consult with clinicians from the comfort of home creates a relaxed and familiar environment, making it easier for children to open up and parents to engage. It’s less intimidating and more convenient, allowing everyone to be more involved. Follow-up appointments and check-ins become simpler, keeping parents in the loop and actively participating in their child’s care.

Additionally, virtual care in schools has been a wonderful advancement. It allows children to access health care services during the school day without needing to leave campus. This means that if a child feels unwell or needs a quick check-up, they can see a clinician right from school. Parents can even join the virtual visit from work, staying involved without having to pick up their child and take them to the pediatrician’s office or urgent care. This seamless integration provides timely medical attention and keeps parents informed and engaged, making health care a truly collaborative effort.

Are there ways for the service to evolve and become more efficient?

Absolutely. As technology continues to advance, so too will the capabilities of telehealth. Enhancements in digital health, wearables, integration of artificial intelligence for diagnostic support and more sophisticated remote monitoring tools can further streamline the process. Devices like remote exam kits are a great example of how technology can bridge the gap between virtual and in-person care in schools. Additionally, expanding broadband access and improving digital literacy among patients and clinicians will be crucial.

How do I prepare for my virtual appointment?

Before the start of your telehealth visits, you should:

• Know the costs. Before the visit, ask how much it will cost. If you can’t afford the visit or do not have health insurance, your health care provider may have local resources.
• Ask for help if needed. Let your provider know if you need support like a screen reader, closed captioning, a translator or other help.
• Check your visit details. Your health care provider will remind you about your visit. They may send you a text, email, call, or message in the patient portal. Sometimes there are forms to fill out or directions on how to start your telehealth visit.
• Find a good spot. Choose a quiet place with good access to the internet. Make sure you are comfortable and can talk openly.
• Test your technology. Make sure your internet and the device you are using for the visit works well. Sometimes, a member of your health care provider’s team will help you test.

–U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Now’s the Time

Summer is ideal for annual checkups

While most families, especially kids, are focused on making the most out of their summer, now is also a good time to start planning for the fall. With seemingly less commitments and more freedom in families’ schedules, the summer months are actually an ideal time for children to get their annual checkups.

In fact, over at AdventHealth, pediatricians and family medicine physicians are known to provide thousands of back-to-school physicals over the course of the summer. The health care provider recommends calling for an appointment sooner than later to ensure that your child can be seen in plenty of time, especially if any follow-up tests are required.

Dr. Alanna Lattimore Sedor, a pediatrician with Community Health Centers, Inc. echoes this sentiment, noting that summer offers parents the opportunity to find convenient times for appointments without disrupting school of extracurricular activities.

“This can help ensure that children are healthy so that they are ready to start the next school year. Some schools also require updated forms from the pediatrician to ensure checkups and vaccines are up-to-date,” says Dr. Sedor.

This rings especially true for those who play scholastic sports, where a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation, more commonly called a sports physical, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. What’s more, Florida law also requires student-athletes to receive yearly sports physicals before they can participate. “The sports physical can generally be completed at the same time as your child’s annual checkup,” offers Dr. Sedor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers guidelines that outline a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each checkup form infancy through adolescence. “Infants are seen more frequently, but starting at age 3, children should be seen for a checkup annual to track their growth and development, and to discuss preventative medicine topics such as vaccinations, nutrition, physical activity and safety,” Dr. Sedor adds.

AdventHealth strongly suggests parents head into these visits prepared with questions they may have related to their child’s health. This may include everything from concerns about sleep habits and fitness levels to receiving updates on allergies or if an asthma sufferer requires an extra inhaler for the school nurse to keep in their office. Because back-to-school physicals can be busy, it can be easy to forget to ask every question, so it’s best to write them down and bring with you.

Ultimately, visits to the pediatrician are just as important for healthy children as they are for those who are feeling ill. Here are some reasons the American Academy of Pediatrics offers as to why routine checkups will have your child on the right path:

• Prevention. Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.
• Tracking growth and development. See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child’s development. You can discuss your child’s milestones, social behaviors and learning.
• Raising any concerns. Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child’s pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.
• Team approach. Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental and social health of a child.

A Growing Concern

With mental health issues on the rise amongst children, families seek the support and services they so desperately need.

During the course of the pandemic, the topic of mental health became a big talking point as many grappled with the drastic changes suddenly thrust upon our everyday lifestyles. On the positive side, it shined a light on an area that wasn’t always discussed publicly due to certain stigmas that made those struggling with their mental well-being feel embarrassed or ashamed. Now that those barriers have been broken down, there’s been a renewed focus on identifying and addressing mental disorders, especially those affecting children.

A child’s mental health can directly impact them psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally. And unfortunately, the issue has become more prevalent than one would hope. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six children between the ages of 2 and 8 suffer from a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. That’s jarring news for any parent who simply wishes for their child to grow up happy and healthy.

“Mental health is an important part of a child’s overall well-being, and unfortunately, yes, mental health problems in children have been on the rise,” says Dr. Alanna Lattimore Sedor, a pediatrician with Community Health Centers, Inc. “Prevalence of depression and anxiety among children and adolescents has increased over time.”

To help address these growing numbers, Community Health Centers’ annual pediatric checkups also include screening for behavioral and social-emotional problems. This offers an opportunity for families to discuss any potential issues with their doctor and Community Health Centers’ behavioral health specialists, which include both psychiatrists and licensed clinical social workers. This collaborative approach allows for the development of strategies that enhance the quality of care provided and lead to more favorable outcomes.

Of course, if concerns arise before it’s time for your child’s checkup, the important thing to do is be proactive and schedule an appointment.

“Mental health difficulties can present in many ways. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, have a conversation with your child and use your pediatrician as a resource,” says Sedor.

Over at the Heart of Florida United Way, the organization’s free Help Me Grow program specifically focuses on helping parents identify behavioral and developmental issues in children, ages 0-8. The program then connects families to the proper tools and services to help with any specific needs and it does not have any income or immigration status requirements, allowing Help Me Grow to be fully accessible.

“The overall goal of Help Me Grow is to catch any delays of disabilities as early as possible, so that we have the best outcomes for the child when they grow up,” Jennifer Crenshaw, manager of the program, explains.

For those parents wondering if their child may need additional services to help them thrive, Help Me Grow is designed to help alleviate some of the related stress in those situations.

“It’s a huge concern when you’re a parent and you’re worried your child is not growing the way they should. That is stressful enough. And then to compound this by wondering, ‘Where do I go?’ it’s tough,” says Crenshaw.

With various providers and programs available locally, families are finding significant solutions to combat mental health disorders. And the more folks who seek out these services, our children’s future will only become brighter.

Recognizing the Signs

Mental health struggles present themselves in different ways

Identifying mental health issues in children is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Chelimer Miro Rivera, a licensed mental health counselor and enterprise mental health program manager with Pediatric Associates, outlines the warning signs that should grab the attention of parents and caregivers. If you observe any of these signs, it’s important to seek professional help from a pediatrician or mental health professional to ensure your child receives the appropriate support and care.

Changes in Behavior
Sudden changes in mood, withdrawal from friends and activities, excessive crying or unexplained irritability.

Academic Issues

Declining grades, difficulty concentrating or a lack of interest in school.

Physical Symptoms

Frequent headaches, stomach aches or complaints of physical pain without a clear medical cause.

Sleep Problems

Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or frequent nightmares.

Eating Habits

Significant changes in appetite or eating patterns, including weight loss or gain.

Loss of Interest

A marked loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.

Emotional Outbursts

Extreme outbursts of anger or frustration that seem disproportionate to the situation.

Self-Harm

Any signs of self-injury, such as cutting or burning.

Persistent Sadness

Ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness that last more than two weeks.

Social Withdrawal
Avoiding social interactions, preferring to be alone or displaying anxiety about social situations.

A Closer Look

Fast facts about mental health disorders in children

ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the organization’s most-recent data, these are the estimates for ever having a diagnosis among children aged 3-17 years:

• ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million)
• Anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million)
• Behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million)
• Depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million)