Telemedicine vs Patient Portal Messages: When to Choose One vs the Other for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

When caring for children, parents and caregivers often wonder whether to use telemedicine visits or patient portal messages to communicate with healthcare providers. Telemedicine involves live video or phone calls with a clinician, allowing real-time interaction and assessment. Patient portal messages are secure online messages sent through a healthcare system’s website or app, typically used for non-urgent questions or updates. Telemedicine is often better for new or urgent concerns, complex symptoms, or when a visual exam is needed. Patient portal messages work well for routine questions, prescription refills, or sharing test results. Understanding when to use each can help ensure timely and effective care for your child. This article explains the differences, benefits, and limitations of telemedicine and patient portal messages in pediatric care, helping you choose the best option for your child's health needs.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or bluish lips — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is unresponsive, unconscious, or has seizures — call emergency services right away.
• Child has persistent high fever (over 39°C/102°F) lasting more than 24 hours or worsening symptoms — contact healthcare provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• New or worsening symptoms needing quick assessment
• Visual examination of rashes, swelling, or injuries
• Urgent but non-emergency concerns
• Follow-up visits that require discussion

What telemedicine cannot do

• Medical emergencies requiring immediate in-person care
• Procedures needing physical examination or tests
• Complex diagnostics requiring lab or imaging
• Conditions needing hospitalization

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine allows you to have a live video or phone visit with a healthcare provider. During this visit, the provider can ask questions, observe your child, and sometimes guide you through simple exams. It is useful when your child has new symptoms, needs a quick evaluation, or when an in-person visit is difficult. Telemedicine visits often feel like regular doctor appointments but happen remotely.

What are Patient Portal Messages?

Patient portal messages are secure online messages sent through a healthcare system’s website or app. You can use them to ask non-urgent questions, request prescription refills, or share updates about your child's health. These messages are typically reviewed by your child's healthcare team during office hours and may not get immediate responses. They are convenient for routine communications that do not require a live conversation.

When to Choose Telemedicine for Your Child

Choose telemedicine if your child has:

Telemedicine allows for real-time interaction and helps providers decide if your child needs in-person care.

When to Use Patient Portal Messages

Patient portal messages are best for:

They are convenient but responses may take hours to days.

Limitations and Safety Considerations

Telemedicine cannot replace all in-person exams. Some conditions require physical exams, tests, or emergency care. Patient portal messages should not be used for emergencies or urgent issues. Always watch for warning signs that need immediate attention.

If your child has severe breathing problems, persistent high fever, seizures, or sudden severe pain, seek emergency care immediately rather than relying on telemedicine or messages.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your child’s medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions to discuss.
• Test your internet connection and device camera/microphone beforehand.
• Have a thermometer or any relevant medical devices nearby.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and accompanied by an adult.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or tests.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and note any changes.
• Use patient portal messages for follow-up questions if appropriate.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can I use patient portal messages for emergencies?

No. Patient portal messages are not for emergencies. If your child has a serious or life-threatening problem, seek emergency care immediately.

How soon can I expect a reply to a patient portal message?

Response times vary but typically take from several hours to a few days. For urgent concerns, telemedicine or direct phone calls are better options.

Do I need special equipment for a telemedicine visit?

Usually, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection is enough. Make sure your device is charged and the connection is stable.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits?

No. Telemedicine is helpful for many issues but some conditions require physical exams, tests, or treatments that can only happen in person.

Is telemedicine safe for young children?

Yes, telemedicine is safe and often convenient for children, but it should be used appropriately and not for emergencies or severe symptoms.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Using Patient Portals to Improve Patient Care — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telemedicine and Pediatric Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a healthcare provider in person or via telemedicine for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In emergencies, seek immediate in-person care.