In-Person Clinic vs Telemedicine: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

When caring for children, families often wonder whether to choose an in-person clinic visit or telemedicine. Both options have important roles. In-person visits allow doctors to physically examine your child, perform tests, and provide treatments that need hands-on care. Telemedicine lets you connect with healthcare providers remotely, often from home, which can be easier and faster for many common concerns. However, telemedicine may not be able to fully replace in-person care for emergencies or complex conditions. Knowing what each option can and cannot do helps families decide when to use telemedicine and when to seek in-person care for their child’s health needs.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or persistent wheezing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 39°C/102°F) lasting more than 48 hours — arrange in-person evaluation.
• Child is unresponsive, very drowsy, or has seizures — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Common colds, mild fevers, and rashes
• Follow-up visits and medication management
• Mental health counseling and support
• Basic health questions and advice
• Chronic condition monitoring such as asthma or allergies

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening symptoms needing physical exam
• Emergency situations like difficulty breathing or seizures
• Vaccinations and injections
• Procedures requiring direct care or testing
• Complex diagnostic evaluations requiring labs or imaging

What Telemedicine Can Do for Pediatric Care

Telemedicine often works well for:

It offers convenience and reduces travel, which can be helpful for busy families.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Children

Telemedicine cannot replace the need for hands-on exams and tests such as:

In these cases, an in-person clinic visit is important.

When to Choose an In-Person Clinic Visit

Choose in-person care if your child has:

Clinics provide equipment and staff to offer thorough exams and treatments.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine visit:

Being prepared helps the provider understand your child’s health better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the visit, consider these steps:

Keep notes from the visit to share with other healthcare providers if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with stable internet connection.
• Gather your child's medical history and current medications.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions to discuss.
• Have any monitoring devices ready (thermometer, pulse oximeter).
• Ensure your child is present and comfortable during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s instructions for medications and home care.
• Schedule any recommended in-person follow-up or tests.
• Monitor your child for any worsening or new symptoms.
• Contact healthcare provider if urgent signs or concerns arise.
• Keep a record of the visit details for future reference.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace all pediatric visits?

Telemedicine is helpful for many common and follow-up visits but cannot replace all in-person care, especially for emergencies, vaccinations, or when a physical exam is needed.

Is telemedicine safe for my child?

Yes, telemedicine is generally safe and effective for many health concerns. However, if your child shows serious symptoms, you should seek in-person emergency care immediately.

What if my child needs a physical exam during a telemedicine visit?

If the provider determines a physical exam or tests are needed, they will guide you to schedule an in-person visit to ensure proper care.

Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine?

Often, providers can prescribe medications during telemedicine visits when appropriate. However, some medications may require an in-person evaluation first.

How do I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit?

Explain the visit in simple terms, have your child nearby and comfortable, and be ready with information about their symptoms and health history.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: What You Should Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Pediatric Telehealth: A Guide for Families — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telemedicine in Pediatrics: Benefits and Limitations — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek in-person care for emergencies or serious health concerns.