Phone-Only Visit vs Video Telemedicine: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do

Audience: adult

Telemedicine offers two common ways to connect with healthcare providers remotely: phone-only visits and video visits. Phone-only visits let you talk to a provider using just your phone, which can be helpful if you have limited internet or prefer not to use video. Video telemedicine adds a visual connection, allowing providers to see you, which can improve communication and help with some physical assessments. Each option has strengths and limits. Phone visits are often quicker and simpler but lack visual cues. Video visits can provide more detailed evaluations but need a stable internet connection and some tech comfort. Understanding what each can and cannot do helps you choose the right option for your health needs. Always seek in-person care for emergencies or complex issues.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe shortness of breath — call emergency services immediately.
• Sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or worsening symptoms despite treatment — contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• General health questions and advice
• Medication refills and management
• Mental health counseling and support
• Follow-up for stable chronic conditions
• Minor skin issues and visual assessments via video

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency medical situations
• Physical examinations requiring touch or specialized equipment
• Laboratory tests and imaging
• Complex or undiagnosed conditions needing in-person evaluation
• Procedures or treatments requiring direct contact

What Is a Phone-Only Telemedicine Visit?

A phone-only telemedicine visit connects you with a healthcare provider by voice call. It is useful when video technology is unavailable or inconvenient. Providers can discuss symptoms, review your medical history, and give advice or prescriptions when appropriate. However, they cannot see physical signs or perform visual exams.

What Is a Video Telemedicine Visit?

Video telemedicine uses a smartphone, tablet, or computer to connect you with a provider face-to-face online. This allows providers to observe your appearance, movements, and some physical signs. Video visits can improve communication and help with certain assessments, such as skin conditions or mobility issues. A good internet connection and privacy are important.

What Phone and Video Visits Can Do

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What Phone and Video Visits Cannot Do

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Choosing Between Phone and Video Visits

Consider your comfort with technology, internet access, and the nature of your health concern. Phone visits may be better for quick questions or when video is not possible. Video visits may be preferred when visual assessment could help. Always follow provider advice if an in-person visit is recommended.

Safety and Privacy Tips for Telemedicine

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private place for your visit.
• Charge your device and ensure a stable phone or internet connection.
• Have a list of your current medications and medical history ready.
• Write down your symptoms and any questions you want to ask.
• Test your video and audio equipment before a video visit.
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• Fill prescriptions as directed and take medications as prescribed.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen or new red flags appear.
• Keep a record of your telemedicine visit for your health records.

FAQs

Can I get a prescription during a phone-only or video visit?

Yes, providers often can prescribe medications during telemedicine visits if appropriate for your condition. However, some medications may require in-person evaluation or have restrictions.

What if I have trouble using video technology?

If video is difficult, a phone-only visit is a good alternative. Let your provider know about any technical challenges so they can help or adjust the visit accordingly.

Are telemedicine visits secure and private?

Reputable telemedicine platforms use encryption and security measures to protect your privacy. Always use trusted apps or services recommended by your healthcare provider and conduct visits in private settings.

When should I choose an in-person visit instead?

If you have severe symptoms, need a physical exam, tests, or procedures, or if your provider advises it, an in-person visit is necessary. Telemedicine is not a replacement for emergency or complex care.

Can telemedicine replace all my regular doctor visits?

Telemedicine can complement but usually does not replace all in-person care. Some conditions and exams require direct contact with your healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What to Know — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Telehealth Visits: Tips for Patients — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have an emergency or serious health concern, seek immediate in-person medical attention.