Asynchronous Care (E-visit) vs Live Video Telemedicine: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

Telemedicine offers two common ways to get medical advice for children: asynchronous care (also called e-visits) and live video visits. Asynchronous care lets you send messages, photos, or videos to a healthcare provider who reviews them later and responds. Live video telemedicine connects you with a provider in real time using video chat. Each method has strengths and limits. Asynchronous care is often faster and convenient for simple questions or follow-ups, but it may miss important signs that need a physical exam. Live video visits allow providers to see the child and interact directly, which can help with more detailed assessments. However, some urgent or complex problems still need in-person care. Knowing what each option can and cannot do helps families choose the best way to get care for their child safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or bluish lips — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is unresponsive, very drowsy, or cannot be awakened — call emergency services right away.
• Child has a high fever lasting more than 3 days or seizures — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild colds, coughs, and sore throats
• Minor skin rashes or irritations
• Medication refills and follow-up questions
• Behavioral and developmental screening questions
• General health advice and education

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing problems or chest pain
• Signs of serious infections needing physical exam or tests
• Injuries requiring physical assessment or imaging
• Emergency situations like seizures or loss of consciousness
• Complex chronic disease management requiring hands-on care

What Is Asynchronous Care (E-visit)?

Asynchronous care means you send your child's health information, like symptoms, photos, or questions, through a secure online platform. A healthcare provider reviews this information later and replies with advice, prescriptions, or next steps. This method does not require scheduling a live appointment and can be convenient for minor issues or follow-up questions.

What Is Live Video Telemedicine?

Live video telemedicine connects you with a healthcare provider through a real-time video call. The provider can see and talk to your child, ask questions, and sometimes guide you through simple exams. This allows for a more interactive visit and can help providers make better assessments than asynchronous care alone.

When to Choose Asynchronous Care

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Asynchronous care is often faster and convenient but may not catch urgent or complex issues.

When to Choose Live Video Telemedicine

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Live video visits offer more detailed evaluation but may still require in-person follow-up.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Pediatric Care

Telemedicine cannot replace all in-person exams. It may not detect subtle signs of serious illness, such as certain infections, injuries, or emergencies. Physical exams, lab tests, or imaging often require visiting a clinic or hospital. Always seek urgent care if your child has severe symptoms or danger signs.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for video visits.
• Have a device with a camera and microphone available (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• If using asynchronous care, take clear photos or videos of visible symptoms.
• Be ready to answer questions about your child's health and environment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Monitor your child's condition and note any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit for future reference.
• Contact your provider if you have questions or if your child's condition changes.

FAQs

Can I use asynchronous care for emergencies?

No. Asynchronous care is not suitable for emergencies. If your child has severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency care immediately.

Is live video telemedicine as good as an in-person visit?

Live video visits allow providers to see and talk with your child, which can help with many concerns. However, some conditions still require physical exams, tests, or treatments that can only be done in person.

What if I don’t have good internet for a live video visit?

If video visits are difficult, asynchronous care may be an option for non-urgent issues. For urgent or complex problems, try to access in-person care or call your healthcare provider for advice.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medications for my child?

Often, yes. Providers can prescribe medications during telemedicine visits when appropriate. However, prescriptions depend on the provider's evaluation and local regulations.

How do I know if my child's condition needs an in-person visit after telemedicine?

Your healthcare provider will advise you if an in-person visit is needed. Also, if your child's symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Telemedicine: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.
3. Children and Telehealth — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: Opportunities and Developments in Member States — World Health Organization.
5. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine education is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person evaluation or emergency services.