Not feeling well? TeleHealth appointments mean you can be seen from the comfort of your home, so you can start feeling better sooner. Many different conditions can be diagnosed via telemedicine. We list the ten most common reasons for making a telehealth appointment, and explain when you should go to urgent care or the emergency room instead.
Ten Problems a TeleHealth Appointment Can Help Solve
1: Sneezing
Excessive sneezing, especially coupled with other symptoms can be signs of cold, flu, COVID, or allergies.
2: Coughing
A bad cough, especially in young children, may indicate respiratory conditions like RSV or whooping cough.
3: Headaches
While typically resolved with some rest, water, or over-the-counter medications, some headaches can be linked to the common cold and other similar viruses.
4: Fevers
High fevers (100.4º for infants, 102º for children aged two to five, or 103º for several days for adults) may cause dehydration. Coupled with other symptoms, they might require medication.
- Pink Eye
This contagious infection can easily be diagnosed by letting your doctor look at your eyes near the camera.
- Sinus Issues
Blocked sinuses are typically caused by infections or airborne allergens. The doctor will ask you questions and recommend treatment based on your answers.
5: Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are never fun, and excessive vomiting may lead to dehydration. A doctor can determine if it is caused by an illness or by food poisoning.
6: Diarrhea
Like vomiting, diarrhea is another symptom that can cause dehydration. Fortunately, this condition can be treated via telemedicine.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Because this condition can be diagnosed without a physical exam, urinary tract infections are a common reason for telemedicine appointments.
- Rashes, Cuts, and Scrapes
Rashes, small cuts, or scrapes that are small and in a place that’s easy to see on camera can be treated via telehealth as well. Your doctor can prescribe topical ointments or advise you on whether the wound needs stitches.
When to Visit an Urgent Care In-Person
In general, you can use a telemedicine appointment for any ailment that does not require a physical examination or laboratory testing. By making a telehealth appointment you are also helping to minimize the spread of infectious diseases, as you are not exposing yourself or others to contagious illnesses.
However, if you suspect you have a sprain or broken bone, if you have a condition that requires lab testing, or you need a physical examination then you will need to go to the nearest urgent care clinic. If at any point during a telemedicine appointment your doctor feels that you need to come in for an exam, they will let you know.
When to Go to the ER
If you have suffered a serious injury, or have symptoms like chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing, a telehealth appointment is not appropriate. Go to the nearest emergency room instead.
Total Point Urgent Care in Whitehouse, Texas
Here at Total Point Urgent Care, we take your health seriously. Regardless of whether you come in person or make a telemedicine appointment, our kind and knowledgeable doctors and nurses are here to ensure you get the very best care available.
Making an urgent care telemedicine appointment is as easy as pressing a button. Our online scheduler lets you find a time that works for you. Appointments can also be scheduled over the phone at 430-259-2051. If you are ever uncertain about whether you should visit urgent care in person, you can make a telehealth appointment to get medical advice.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/21/24). Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.
