Telemedicine at Seattle Children’s
- Information also available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese (all files are PDFs).
We are working to expand the availability of telemedicine across all of our clinics so that we can continue to provide safe care to our patients using virtual tools that have been vetted by our Privacy and IT Security officers as well as the federal government. This page provides information and resources for virtual clinic appointments.
What is a telehealth visit?
A telehealth visit is similar to an in-person wellness appointment with your child’s provider. During the visit, you will talk about your current health concerns and learn what to do.
- Your visit can take place in a location that is the most convenient for you.
- Your provider will use a secure and HIPAA compliant video-based platform to talk with you by computer, tablet or smartphone.
- Your photo and voice will not be recorded or stored.
- Your privacy and rights will be respected and ensured.
Once your appointment is scheduled, it will be available for you to view in your MyChart account. When it’s time to join the appointment, you will use your MyChart account to check-in and sign the necessary paperwork.
Just as with an in-person visit, please remember to cancel your appointment by calling your clinic if you are no longer able to make the appointment time.
If you need an appointment
Follow the usual process of scheduling by calling 206-987-2000. If your appointment should be virtual, we will schedule you for a telehealth appointment if the visit can be done virtually.
If you need an interpreter
If you need an interpreter, we will arrange for one when you schedule your appointment.
Internet Access Resources for Families
If you need access to low-cost internet so you can access your virtual appointment and medical record, send us an email or fill out this form. A member of our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
MyChart and Telehealth
Virtual visits require a MyChart account because it helps us protect your privacy and ensure that you can access your appointment and appropriate paperwork in a secure way. With a MyChart account, you can check into your appointment, cancel an appointment, set up a payment plan and much more.
Need an account? Sign up here
For easier access to your account, download the MyChart app from the Apple App store or Google Play
Learn more about how to use MyChart (PDF)
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1. Log in to your MyChart account by opening a web browser and go to https://mychart.seattlechildrens.org.
2. Click the Appointments icon at the top of the screen. Find your scheduled video visit and click eCheck-In. Your appointment cannot begin before you complete eCheck-In.
3. Once eCheck-In is complete, click Begin Video Visit.
4. MyChart will open Zoom to connect to the Video Visit. If you see a prompt, click on Open zoom.us. Then, wait for your provider to join and start the meeting.
5. When you are prompted, select Join with Video and Join with Computer Audio to enable video and audio for the visit. -
1. Open the MyChart app on your smart phone or tablet to log in.
2. Tap the Appointments.3. Find the scheduled video visit and click eCheck-In. Your visit cannot begin without completing this step.
4. Once eCheck-In is complete, click the Video Visit icon to begin the visit. 
5. MyChart will prompt to use Zoom to connect to the video visit. Then, wait for your provider to join and start the meeting. 
6. Once the provider joins, select Join with Video and Call using Internet Audio/Call via Device Audio to enable video and audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a MyChart account to join a video appointment?
back to topYes. An active MyChart account is required for video visits. This helps us ensure that our patients’ privacy is protected and that all pre-appointment paperwork is completed accurately.
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Do I need an account to use Zoom?
back to topYou will need to download the Zoom application to your device, but you do not need to create an account. Follow the instructions on this page to download Zoom and set up and account if you so choose. Once you have downloaded Zoom to your device, you do not need to do it again.
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How do I join a Zoom meeting?
back to topYou will need to download the Zoom application to your device, but you do not need to create an account. Follow the instructions on this page to download Zoom and set up and account if you so choose. Once you have downloaded Zoom to your device, you do not need to do it again.
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Do I need to use a device that has a camera?
back to topYes, in order for the provider to see you and conduct the telemedicine appointment, you should use a device that has a video camera.
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How do I join computer/device audio?
back to topOn most devices, you can join computer/device audio by clicking Join Audio, Join with Computer Audio, or Audio to access the audio settings. Learn more about connecting your audio.
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How much does Zoom cost?
back to topZoom is a free service for our patients. There is no cost or account required to use this service.
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Can I use a Bluetooth Headset?
back to topYes, as long as it is compatible with the device you are using.
Troubleshooting
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Echo can be caused by many things, such as a participant connected to the meeting audio on multiple devices or two participants joined in from the same local. Learn about common causes of audio echo.
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Read tips on troubleshooting audio that isn't working on your iOS or Android device.
If you are still having issues, please contact 1-888-799-9666 option 2. Please have your meeting id available.
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Once your appointment has been scheduled, you will receive a link to participate in your telehealth appointment. This link might be set by email or text message. Follow the link to get to the Zoom website. You will then be prompted to download the Zoom software to use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This software is free to use and you do not need to create your own account.
After downloading the software, you will follow the prompts to complete setting up your account. Below are some screenshots of how this might look on a computer or smartphone.
Enter your preferred first and last name.
The next prompt will ask you how you’d like the audio (sound source) for the meeting to be connected. It is best to connect by computer or the audio on your tablet or smart phone.
The tool bar at the bottom of your screen should look like this. You may have to hover your mouse over the screen on your computer or tap the screen on your phone to get this toolbar to appear.
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- Start with your camera at eye level
- Be in a private room with the patient with the door shut to prevent interruptions
- Plug in the device you are using during your visit to save battery
- Check the lighting to make sure it is not too dark, and the provider cannot see you or too bright and you are washed out
- Restart your device prior to the Video Visit
- Turn off your screensaver. If the device goes to sleep, it can disconnect from the internet and disrupt the video visit.
- Close any other programs or applications running on the device you are using to connect to your provider
- If using a Wi-Fi connection make sure you are close to the router
- If video is poor using a Wi-Fi connection, try connecting through ethernet from the modem/router to the device. You may have to ask others in your home to stop streaming video or gaming online.
- Download the latest version of Chrome or Firefox
- Know your back up plan in advance and have this document with you during the visit
- If you hear an echo, try the following:
- Turn down the volume to 25%
- Use a headset
- Use a different device
