Good uses for online care
Medication questions, stable chronic-disease follow-up, lifestyle counseling, discussing previously completed lab results and deciding what type of in-person care is needed can often start online.
When an examination matters
New severe abdominal pain, breathing problems, major injuries, neurological symptoms, significant skin infections, eye emergencies and many child health concerns may require a physical examination, vital signs or tests that cannot be done through a message.
Emergency symptoms should bypass telemedicine
If symptoms suggest a heart attack, stroke, severe breathing difficulty, major bleeding, loss of consciousness or another emergency, do not wait for an online reply.
Prepare for a useful virtual consultation
Have a medication list, relevant test results and a short symptom timeline ready. If available, recent blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, weight or blood-sugar readings can add useful context.