Title: Pediatric Video Consultations for Sick Children Across North Rhine-Westphalia
Sick kids in North Rhine-Westphalia now have a new lifeline - pediatric video consultations. Initiated by the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Westfalen-Lippe (KVWL) from November 1st and soon to be available through the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Nordrhein (KVNo), this service aims to provide much-needed advice to parents during off-peak hours, weekends, and holidays.
The primary aim is to alleviate pressure on pediatrician practices, outpatient emergency services, and hospital emergency departments, providing parents with a single point of contact for their child's health concerns. By utilizing video consultation services, eligible parents can receive support in conducting thorough assessments, removing the necessity for unnecessary hospital visits.
At KVWL, approximately fifty medical practitioners have expressed interest in offering their expertise through the video consultation service until April 1, 2024. With services currently operational for around ninety-six hours weekly, the KVNo is participating with twenty-six doctors, continuing the video consultation initiative until January 31, 2024.
Parents interested in utilizing this service should call the medical on-call service on 116 117 and expect medically trained staff to perform an initial assessment. Following this assessment, parents eligible for a video consultation will be referred to a virtual waiting room, where they will receive an access link to join the session. With their health insurance cards at hand, parents must agree to the use of their camera and microphone in their Internet browser before joining the consultation.
The KVNo offers their video consultation service on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 10 pm and weekends, including holidays, from 10 am to 10 pm. Parents can also make appointments via the homepage at www.kvno.de/kinder or by dialing 116 117 to reach the KVNo center. After registering their contact information, interested parties will receive an appointment link, which necessitates the presentation of the child's health insurance card.
The KVNo experienced substantial success during a pilot project around the turn of the year 2022/2023. Overcrowded pediatric practices and children's wards at the time led to almost 2,400 video consultations. With over fifty percent of parents relieved of taking their children to emergency practices, the initiative proved to be highly beneficial in reducing stress for both parents and children.
As winter approaches and the infections' waves peak, the KVNo anticipates high demand for pediatric services. The promise of accessible health advice, support, and convenience through video consultations has indeed made the life of many families in North Rhine-Westphalia easier.
[1] Please check the KVWL and KVNo official websites or contact their customer service for specific details on the duration of pediatric video consultation services for sick children.
