Carrot Expands Parenting Benefits, Adding On-Demand Pediatric Telemedicine With Blueberry Pediatrics

West Des Moines, Iowa – On February 18, 2026, Carrot announced an expansion of its parenting benefits to include on-demand pediatric telemedicine provided through Blueberry Pediatrics. This new service is available to families with children under the age of 12 and aims to lower healthcare costs and boost workplace productivity.

Expanding Access to Pediatric Care

The new telemedicine service offers parents 24/7 access to virtual visits with board-certified pediatricians from Blueberry Pediatrics. These consultations can address common childhood illnesses and injuries, including ear infections, rashes, colds, and the flu. Carrot members will also receive a home medical kit containing a wireless digital ear scope, a pediatric pulse oximeter, and a thermometer to aid in remote assessments.

Did You Know? Pediatric emergency department visits occur at a rate of nearly one per infant per year.

Tammy Sun, Founder and CEO of Carrot, stated, “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their sick child and meeting work responsibilities.” She explained that integrating pediatric telemedicine into their parenting support system will help families access comprehensive care while delivering cost savings and productivity gains for employers.

The Cost of Pediatric Care

According to data cited by Carrot, pediatric emergency department visits average more than $1,100 per visit. Blueberry Pediatrics data suggests that telemedicine could potentially reduce unnecessary emergency department visits by up to 40 percent, offering families a more affordable care option and minimizing disruptions to work schedules.

Expert Insight: The integration of telemedicine into employer-sponsored benefits reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between employee well-being and workplace performance. By addressing the challenges parents face in accessing timely pediatric care, companies may see a reduction in absenteeism and increased employee satisfaction.

Rich Berner, CEO of Blueberry Pediatrics, emphasized their mission to provide families with access to high-quality pediatric care whenever they need it. He stated that the partnership with Carrot will extend this support to more working parents, reducing costs and minimizing time away from work. Blueberry Pediatrics also works with health plans and payers, including Medicaid, to improve health equity.

This new offering complements Carrot’s existing suite of parenting benefits, which includes expert chats, educational resources, group sessions, and assistance in navigating the healthcare system. The addition of telemedicine aims to create a comprehensive experience that combines preventive care, real-time clinical access, and cost reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age children are covered by this new benefit?

The pediatric telemedicine service is available to families with children under age 12.

What types of illnesses and injuries can be addressed through telemedicine?

The service can address common injuries and illnesses such as ear infections, rashes, colds, and the flu.

What equipment is included in the home medical kit?

The home medical kit contains a wireless digital ear scope, a pediatric pulse oximeter, and a thermometer.

How might expanded access to telemedicine impact the way families approach pediatric healthcare in the future?