We have decent insurance. Good, even.
But those sick visits with two kids before we hit our deductible are rough. Not to mention the headache that is scheduling a doctor appointment, wrangling two kids to the appointment, waiting with two kids at the appointment, trying to navigate questions/paperwork/advice/prescriptions while juggling two kids, and basically rearranging our whole day/week around the appointment(s).
When Joey got an ear infection this summer and needed a follow-up visit, those two appointments (and two hefty co-pays) alone sent me over the edge.
There has to be a better way, I lamented.
Enter Blueberry Pediatrics.
(This post isn’t sponsored. They have no idea this post exists. I’m just that grateful for them.)
You pay a flat monthly (or yearly) fee. You receive an at-home medical kit with things like a smart thermometer and a smart otoscope - tools that are designed communicate with Blueberry Pediatrics' app and their team of pediatricians. You set up an app with profiles on your children, your preferred pharmacy, etc. And you can contact the team of pediatricians as often - and for as many kids under your roof - as you like. At any time of day. 24/7. From your home. (Or from wherever you’re traveling.)
I signed up as fast as I could. It’s worth a shot, I thought.
Spoiler: it’s even better than I ever expected.
Shortly after I signed up, Brett went out of town for work - as he does every month. And KK’s eye started to look red. And then it spread to the other eye. And then Joey’s eyes became red. And then Joey’s eye swelled shut. And then KK complained her throat hurt. And then Joey became really fussy. And then KK woke up all night with ear pain.
And instead of toting both of my miserable children (and miserable, tired self) to the doctor’s office (if they even had any same-day availability, that is), I submitted a request for a doctor visit in the Blueberry Pediatrics app. I filled out some questions (what are the symptoms, how long have they had symptoms, what is their temperature, if you do this to KK’s ear, does it seem to hurt, can you provide a photo of Joey’s eye, can you use the otoscope to submit a video of KK’s ear, etc). The most darling customer support gal texted me to provide assistance. And then with the information submitted, we were told a pediatrician would review our information and call us shortly.
I did this all while I drank coffee and the kids played in the living room. And then while KK watched a show and Joey napped. It was all on my own time, in the comfort of my own home. Tears were actually welling in my eyes. Angels were singing. It was all so lovely and supportive and everything I needed as a mom of two littles.
(And technically I could’ve done this at 9pm or 12am or 2am the night before - or anytime of day - when KK was complaining about her ear, but since it was my first time - and I knew I’d have a slight learning curve with the otoscope - I decided to wait until morning.)
Thirty minutes after I started my doctor appointment request with our information, a doctor called.
Dr. Dewey. An absolute delight.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but when I picked up to hear such a personable, caring human, and casually chatted with her while sitting at my kitchen table, I almost cried again. When I get little sleep, I feel emotionally worn down - Dr. Dewey’s warm demeanor and infectious laugh were like a balm for my soul. Within minutes, she had two prescriptions sent off for us, a list of things I could do at home, and a gentle, “Let us know if anything else pops up. We’re here!”
It was a wonderful morning, a completely painless experience.
All that to say, I can’t recommend Blueberry Pediatrics enough. They can take care of the majority of childhood illnesses (rash, strep, ear infections, stings, to name a few), and they’re available in quite a few states (and are continuing to expand). In fact, I purchased a second Blueberry Pediatrics at-home medical kit to keep in our Airstream for our trips when we’re traveling through states that carry Blueberry Pediatrics. So much better than worrying about finding an urgent care!
I keep my at-home medical kits in my beloved zipper bags, and I grab them whenever.
I no longer feel immense dread at the thought of KK or Joey getting sick. I feel calmer and more empowered. Like yeah, having a sick kid stinks - but being able to get a pediatrician in my own home, at any time of day, as often as I need, while we’re doing what we need to at home is the best.
You deserve whatever you need to take care of yourself. For me, that means an annual membership to Blueberry Pediatrics for peace of mind, for support, and for 24/7 pediatric care.
PS you can use my link to sign up - at the time of publication, my link will get you a FREE at-home medical kit.
Related:
Here’s the 20 things we keep on hand for when we don’t feel well.
Here’s my cold and flu favorites for kids.
Here’s what we keep on hand for first aid, in the diaper bag, in the car, at home, and in the airstream. It’s a very popular post.
Here’s the zipper bags I use for my Blueberry Pediatrics at-home medical kit.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
