Pediatrics

We offer virtual visits for established pediatric patients and some types of new patient visits. Read more to find out if a virtual visit is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a virtual visit?

A virtual visit is a secure video appointment with your doctor via your smartphone or tablet. This allows patients to conduct a traditional office visit with their provider electronically through their MyChart app without leaving home or work.

How do I schedule a virtual visit with my pediatrician?

Follow these steps to schedule an appointment online as a virtual visit in the MyOchsner portal. You may also call 1-866-624-7637 to schedule a pediatrics virtual visit.

I am a new patient. Can I do a virtual visit with an Ochsner LSU Health pediatrician?

Some visit types can be done virtually for new patients in Louisiana. To schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, call 1-866-624-7637 or access the MyOchsner portal.

What are the technical requirements for a virtual visit?

You must have a mobile phone or tablet with a front-facing camera and iOS or Android operating system. Download the MyChart app on your device and select Ochsner Health as your healthcare provider. You can find the MyChart app in the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play Store (Android).

How do I start a virtual visit?

Before your visit, complete the ePre-Check in the MyChart app to verify your insurance, demographics and sign the Telehealth Consent Form. Click on your appointment to view the details and allow access to your camera and microphone. Select ‘Begin Visit’ in your appointment to enter a virtual visit waiting room until your provider joins the appointment. View the complete steps here.

What conditions can be seen during a general pediatrics virtual visit?

Virtual visits are a convenient option for appointments related to the following conditions:

• Development/behavior (feeding, potty training, sleeping disorders)
• Pink eye
• Rashes
• Seasonal allergies (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, itchy nose)
• ADHD follow up visit
• Visit follow up
• Perspective parent & pediatrician meet and greet

Appointments requiring a physical exam, diagnostic test or procedure should be scheduled as an in-person visit. These conditions are appropriate for in-person visits:

• Well-child checks
• Immunizations
• Ear pain
• Wheezing or cough
• Fever
• Falls or head injuries
• Severe pain of any kind
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abscess
• New ADHD
• Limp
• Joint pain or swelling
• Headaches
• Laceration

What conditions can be seen during a specialty pediatrics virtual visit?

Virtual visits are a convenient option for many follow up appointments related to the following conditions:

• Cardiology: post-op follow up, arrhythmia, new referrals for loop recorder or ablation, dysautonomia, POTS, palpitation, syncope, blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, single ventricle
• Endocrinology: Vitamin D deficiency, obesity, transgender follow ups, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, irregular periods, diabetes, hypoglycemia
  • Appointments requiring a physical exam, diagnostic test or procedure should be scheduled as an in-person visit. These conditions are appropriate for in-person visits: panhypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, short/tall stature, precocious/delayed puberty, gynecomastia, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, goiter, rickets with bone deformities
• Hematology/Oncology: any cancer or hematology diagnosis except for lymphadenopathy which should be seen in person
• Palliative Care: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, psychoeducation, psychological assessments
• Gastroenterology: follow up visits for abdominal pain, celiac disease, colitis, Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation, diarrhea, failure to thrive/growth problems, general gastroenterology, liver, pancreatitis, reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, vomiting
• Neurology: follow up visits for epilepsy, general neurology, headaches, memory disorders, movement disorders, traumatic brain injuries
• Pulmonology: follow up visits for asthma, cough, wheezing

What does a pediatrics virtual visit cost?

The cost is the same as an in-person visit, as covered by your insurance. As with an in-person visit, you will be billed for co-pay at the time of your virtual visit (where you can pay online) or after the visit is completed. Contact your insurance provider for covered benefits.

What are the advantages of a virtual visit?

A virtual visit provides the same Ochsner experience with added convenience. The physician will do a comprehensive visit with each patient to determine next steps for their care.

What do I need to do if I’m a new patient?

• Check in 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Have both your primary (and secondary if applicable) insurance information available.
• Be prepared to make your co-payment, if applicable.
• Please bring any medications, or a list of medications with dosage and number of times per day they are taken, along with you. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter medications.
• A current list of drugs (formulary) covered on your insurance will also help your doctor make any necessary changes in your medication.

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?
For instructions on how to request copies of your child’s medical records, click here.

What if I have a problem when my doctor’s office is closed?
If you have a medical concern or problem outside of normal operating hours, please call our Ochsner On-Call at 504-842-3155. Ochsner On Call provides appointment booking, health education, and advisory services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specially trained registered nurses are available to discuss your health care concerns, to help you decide if your symptoms require going to the emergency room for assessment or a visit to a physician, and to recommend appropriate self-care techniques.

How does Ochsner LSU Health keep track of immunization records?
Ochsner participates in the LINKS program, also known as the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide. It is a computer-based immunization information system administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The purpose of LINKS is to coordinate immunizations among health care providers to assure adequate immunization levels and to avoid unnecessary immunizations.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my doctor’s appointment?
Out of consideration for other patients who may need the appointment time, please give Ochsner LSU Health at least 24 hours advance notice if you are unable to keep your appointment time.

What insurances do you accept?
We accept a wide variety of insurance plans, including private, managed care, and government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid. View our full list of accepted payors or call us at 318-654-6760 for more information.

We have received many honors and recognitions for the quality of care we provide to infants, children and teens in our area.

The ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support

The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Award for Excellence in Life Support recognizes life-support programs worldwide that distinguish themselves by having processes, procedures and systems in place that promote excellence and exceptional care. Our pediatric program was recognized as an ELSO Gold Level Center of Excellence in 2018 for our commitment to quality critical care.

First LERN Recognized Pediatric Trauma Program in Louisiana

The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) recognized Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport as a Pediatric Level II Trauma Program on July 1, 2019 making it the first and only program in Louisiana to receive the Pediatric Trauma Program recognition.

LERN assists EMS providers and hospitals throughout North Louisiana in transporting injured children, and the Pediatric Trauma Program reinforces the highly specialized trauma care provided at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Academic Medical Center.

Tiniest Babies Registry

Premature newborns require expert care from a highly trained team of doctors and providers. Our team was recognized on the Tiniest Babies Registry as having cared for one of Louisiana’s smallest babies. Search for “Walyat” on this list to learn more.