For more than 15 years, Scottsdale Physicians Group has provided residents of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas with high-quality medical care. Two years ago, we recognized that a simple FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom telemedicine visit wasn’t enough to meet the unique needs of children who have special needs and medical vulnerabilities. 

That’s why we opened our Virtual Care branch that supports our Pediatric Complex Care program (SPGPCC). It’s simple: we send expert medical technicians to meet our young patients where they are and provide in-depth comprehensive care for complex and ongoing medical conditions. In-person diagnostic exams reduce the likelihood of errors, ease your child’s anxiety, and foster strong and supportive relationships between the healthcare provider and the patient. 

In 2020, we made upwards of 20,000 in-home visits to children and their families. SPGPCC possesses the patience, empathy, and knowledge to help children across all levels of disability. 

How does SPGPCC work? 

We use high-end equipment and Bluetooth technology to diagnose and treat your child in a home or hospital setting (i.e., hospice, inpatient treatment centers). 

SPGPCC telehealth carts contain equipment such as: 

• Electrocardiograph machines  
• High-definition cameras 
• Ear lavages 
• Virtual stethoscopes 
• Remote vital monitoring systems 
• Oral thermometers
• Wireless scales 
• Pulse oximeters 
• Digital otoscopes

Your SPGPCC provider will conduct the visual examination during a video conference. The video conference takes place from beginning to end, and we encourage you and your child to ask questions. 

Our virtual care software is highly secure and HIPPA-compliant, giving you peace of mind that your child’s personal information remains private. 

The benefits of our virtual care model

Telehealth services help medically vulnerable children with special needs receive high-quality care in an environment that prioritizes their needs. Whether your child has a physical disability or falls on the autism spectrum or struggles with multiple ongoing conditions, we can help. 

Many parents find that using SPGPCC’s in-home healthcare services benefits them and their children in the following ways:

1. Convenient scheduling — We understand that caring for a child with special needs is a full-time job and poses unique stressors. Finding extra time to see your child’s pediatrician on top of other specialists may be overwhelming. SPGPCC works around your busy schedule to avoid rushed or inconvenient appointments. 

2. Easier examinations — For children with behavioral and medical disabilities, the sights, sounds, and examination process at a traditional doctor’s office can feel stressful and embarrassing. For children with severe developmental delays, a medical examination by a typical pediatrician can trigger outbursts and panic. Routine check-ups and examinations in the comfort of home keep your child calm and comfortable. The SPGPCC team is trained to serve children with special needs. We recognize when to ask you more questions and when to check in with your child before continuing the appointment. 

3. Enhanced accuracy — The in-home diagnostic process allows the medical technician and SPGPCC provider to observe your child more closely and for longer. Your child’s symptoms and wellbeing are clearest in a non-stressful environment. 

4. Diverse, dynamic care — From physical therapy to occupational therapy to conducting X-rays, SPGPCC brings all dimensions of your child’s healthcare to your home. Following the multidisciplinary rounds model of care, our team of expert providers across disciplines collaborates to determine the types of medical care your child needs to feel their best.

Reduced flu and COVID-19 risk — Both the flu and COVID-19 are highly contagious airborne viruses. Telemedicine reduces the risk of your child getting sick from a medical examination. We train our technicians to follow COVID-19 safety and sanitation regulations set by the CDC and Arizona Department of Health Services. Protective equipment is worn at all times.