Virtual Care
Convenient, expert pediatric care – right from home.
Video visit
Talk face-to-face with your child’s provider online – just like an in-person visit.
How it works
Many primary care and specialty care clinics offer video visits. Ask your child’s provider if a video visit is right for their care.
Hours
Most participating clinics offer video visits during regular clinic hours on weekdays. Hours vary by clinic.
How to join
You will get a text message or email with a direct link to join your video visit.
Cost
Video visits cost the same as a clinic visit and are covered by most insurance plans.
Tips for a smooth video visit
Use MyChart: For the best experience, we strongly encourage using MyChart rather than joining as a guest. MyChart lets you complete pre-visit check-in early, connects you directly to your provider with fewer steps, and keeps all your child’s appointment details securely in one place. Need to create a Children’s Minnesota MyChart account? Sign up now.
Device: Use a mobile device or computer and make sure your camera, microphone and internet work. If using a computer, a wired connection is preferred than a wireless (Wi-Fi) one. Both wired or wireless connections are better than using cellular data on a mobile device. Make sure your device is charged or plugged into a power source.
Attendance: The patient must be present for the video visit unless told otherwise by their provider. A parent or legal guardian must also be present if required for the visit.
Location: Be in a comfortable, quiet, well-lit and private space. You must be physically located in Minnesota at the time of the visit. If you will be outside of Minnesota, you must contact the clinic beforehand.
E-visit
Get online care for common health conditions anytime – no appointment needed. Available to current primary care patients.
Who can use e-visits
Current Children’s Minnesota and Partners in Pediatrics primary care patients (ages 18 and under). To do an e-visit, a parent/guardian (with approved proxy access) or the patient (ages 12–18) must have an active Children’s Minnesota MyChart account. Need to create a Children’s Minnesota MyChart account? Sign up now.
How it works
Answer questions in MyChart about your symptoms and other information like allergies, preferred pharmacy, insurance and payment (it takes about 10 minutes). Then, a primary care provider will review your answers and send you a treatment plan, sometimes in as little as a few hours.
What we treat
Currently, our e-visits treat constipation, eye redness, rashes, sore throat and vomiting.
Cost
E-visits are usually covered by most insurance plans. If we cannot treat your child safely online, you will not be charged for the e-visit. Any copay or charges not covered will be billed to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join my child’s video visit?
If you have a Children’s Minnesota MyChart account:
- Complete eCheck-in using the link sent via text or email 7 days before your appointment. (Note: You must be opted in to receive messages from Children’s Minnesota).
- One hour before your appointment, you will receive the video visit link. Click this link to launch the video visit at the time of your appointment.
- If you’ve completed eCheck-in, you can also join your visit through the MyChart “Visits” button or the “Join visit” button from your reminders.
- Please stay on the screen until the provider joins.
- Adding a guest, such as a co-parent or legal guardian, can help ensure everyone involved in your child’s care stays informed. After discussing it with your child’s provider, you can add participants to the video visit through MyChart:
- From the MyChart main menu, select the Visits tab.
- Select Details for your upcoming visit.
- Select View and Invite Participants.
- You will be prompted to enter an email address for the guest.
- You may also ask your provider to send the video visit link to a guest.
If you do not have a Children’s Minnesota MyChart account:
- If you receive an eCheck-in link via text or email, please check in and complete required documents and questions before your visit.
- One hour before your appointment, you will receive the video visit link. Click this link to launch the video visit at the time of your appointment.
- Stay on the screen until your provider joins.
- Adding a guest, such as a co-parent or legal guardian, can help ensure everyone involved in your child’s care stays informed. After discussing it with your child’s provider, you can add participants to your video visit by forwarding the video visit link directly to your guest. Or, ask your provider to send the link directly to your guest.
Need help connecting to your video visit? Please call the clinic directly.
What if my child needs a prescription?
If your child’s provider decides they need medication from a video visit or e-visit, they will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
Does insurance cover virtual care?
Yes, most insurance plans cover virtual care, including video visits and e-visits. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to check your coverage.
Are video visits offered in other languages?
Yes. Free interpreter services are available. Please let the clinic know if you will need an interpreter before your appointment. Your provider will invite an interpreter to the video visit.
Can we do a video visit if we’re not in Minnesota?
Usually, no. Due to medical licensing laws, you and your child must be in Minnesota at the time of your video visit. If you will be outside of Minnesota, you must call the clinic beforehand to discuss your options. Some of our providers are also licensed in Wisconsin, but you must call the clinic first to make sure your visit can happen
Can my teenager talk to the provider privately during a video visit?
Yes. If your teenager wants to speak with their provider alone, just ask! The provider will let you know if a private talk is a good fit for the visit.
Are video visits private and secure?
Yes. Our video visits are secure and HIPAA-compliant.
Children’s Minnesota staff may be in a private space such as an exam room or office during a video visit. If staff is in a clinic setting where other staff may be visible in the background, they will generally use headsets so others cannot hear you.
Video visits are never recorded by Children’s Minnesota. Unauthorized recording is not allowed. If your visit is on the phone, your conversation is as secure as any phone call.
What happens if my internet disconnects during the video visit?
If the video visit drops, try rejoining using your visit link. If you cannot reconnect, your provider will call the phone number listed in your MyChart account to complete the visit by phone.
Other ways to get care
Symptom Checker
Does your child need an appointment or can their symptoms be treated at home? Find out now with the Symptom Checker, available 24/7.
Walk-in care
Prefer an in-person visit for minor illnesses and injuries? Most of our primary care clinics offer walk-in care for non-severe illnesses like cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, minor injuries and more. Let us know when you’re on your way to reserve your child’s spot before you arrive.
