Asynchronous Care (E-visit) vs Live Video Telemedicine: When to Choose One vs the Other 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 health information to a doctor anytime, and get a response later. Live video visits happen in real time, letting you talk and show symptoms directly to a doctor. Both methods can be helpful for pediatric care but work best in different situations. Asynchronous care is often good for simple questions, follow-ups, or when you can’t schedule a live visit quickly. Live video is better when a doctor needs to see your child’s symptoms, ask questions, or guide you through care. Knowing when to use each can help you get the right care faster and more comfortably for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child has difficulty breathing, fast or noisy breathing, or bluish lips — seek emergency care immediately.
• Your child is unresponsive, very drowsy, or cannot be awakened — call emergency services right away.
• Your child has a high fever (over 39°C/102°F) lasting more than 24 hours or seizures — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild cold or flu symptoms
• Medication refills and follow-ups
• Minor skin rashes or irritations
• General health questions and advice
• Non-urgent behavioral concerns

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing problems or chest pain
• Loss of consciousness or seizures
• Serious injuries or bleeding
• Symptoms needing physical examination or urgent tests
• Emergency medical conditions

What Is Asynchronous Care (E-visit)?

Asynchronous care means you send your child's health information, symptoms, or questions to a healthcare provider through a secure online platform. You don’t need to be online at the same time as the doctor. The doctor reviews your message and replies later with advice, prescriptions, or next steps. This method is flexible and can be done anytime.

It works well for non-urgent issues like mild rashes, medication refills, or follow-up questions after a visit.

What Is Live Video Telemedicine?

Live video telemedicine connects you and your child with a healthcare provider through a real-time video call. You can show symptoms, ask questions, and get immediate feedback. This method is closer to an in-person visit and allows the doctor to see your child and respond quickly.

It is often used for illnesses like colds, fevers, or injuries that need a quick assessment.

When to Choose Asynchronous Care

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When to Choose Live Video Telemedicine

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Limitations and Safety Considerations

Both methods have limits. Some conditions need in-person exams, tests, or emergency care. If your child has severe symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. Telemedicine cannot replace hands-on physical exams or urgent care.

Always share complete and accurate information during any telemedicine visit to help providers make the best decisions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, questions, and concerns.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Have a way to take photos or videos of symptoms if needed.
• Make sure you can join the telemedicine platform or app before the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice and prescriptions carefully.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or tests promptly.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit for future reference.

FAQs

Can I use asynchronous care for all my child's health issues?

Asynchronous care is best for non-urgent or simple issues like mild symptoms or medication questions. For urgent or complex problems, live video or in-person visits are usually better.

What if my child's symptoms get worse after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or new serious symptoms appear, seek immediate medical care. Telemedicine providers often advise when to get in-person care.

Is live video telemedicine secure and private?

Yes, reputable telemedicine services use secure platforms to protect your privacy and keep your child's health information confidential.

Do I need special equipment for live video visits?

Typically, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection is enough. Some visits may require you to have certain tools, but providers will inform you ahead of time.

Can telemedicine replace regular pediatric check-ups?

Telemedicine can complement but not fully replace regular in-person check-ups, vaccinations, and physical exams needed for your child's health.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Telemedicine: Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Telemedicine: What Is It, and How Does It Work? — Mayo Clinic.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics: Telehealth Initiatives — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This educational content is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. Telemedicine can help with many health concerns but cannot replace emergency services or hands-on examinations when needed. Always seek immediate care if your child has severe or worsening symptoms.