Telemedicine vs Emailing Your Doctor: When to Choose One vs the Other for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

When caring for children, choosing the right way to communicate with your doctor is important. Telemedicine lets you have a live video or phone visit with a healthcare provider, which is helpful for many health concerns that need a quick check or discussion. Emailing your doctor is good for simple questions or follow-ups that do not require immediate attention. Telemedicine often allows the doctor to see your child and ask questions in real time, which can help with diagnosis and treatment decisions. Email can be convenient but may take longer for a response and is not suitable for emergencies or urgent issues. Knowing when to use telemedicine or email can help you get the best care for your child safely and efficiently.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child has difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or bluish lips — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 24 hours or seizures — contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Your child is unresponsive, very drowsy, or cannot be awakened — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate illnesses like colds, rashes, or mild fevers
• Follow-up visits after hospital stays or treatments
• Medication management and prescription refills
• Behavioral health consultations and developmental concerns

What telemedicine cannot do

• Medical emergencies such as severe breathing problems or unconsciousness
• Conditions needing immediate physical examination or procedures
• Severe injuries requiring urgent care
• Testing or treatments that must be done in person

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a way to see and talk with your child's doctor using video or phone calls. It lets the doctor check on your child's health without needing to visit the office. This can save time and reduce exposure to other illnesses. Telemedicine is often used for mild illnesses, follow-up visits, or when you need advice quickly.

When is Emailing Your Doctor Helpful?

Email is useful for non-urgent questions, such as asking about medication refills, sharing test results, or clarifying instructions. It allows you to send messages at any time, and the doctor or staff will reply when available. Email is not for emergencies or sudden health changes.

Choosing Between Telemedicine and Email

Use telemedicine if your child has symptoms that need a doctor's immediate attention but are not emergencies, like a rash, mild fever, or behavioral changes. Email is better for simple questions or updates that do not require a quick response. If your child has a serious problem, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Benefits and Limitations

Telemedicine provides real-time interaction and visual assessment but may not replace physical exams or tests. Email is convenient and good for record-keeping but lacks immediate feedback. Both methods rely on good internet access and privacy measures to protect your child's information.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet space with good lighting. Have your child's medical history and any medicines ready. Be ready to describe symptoms clearly and answer questions. Follow the doctor's instructions after the visit carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications available.
• Write down your child's symptoms and any questions you want to ask.
• Ensure the device's camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a trusted adult present to assist during the visit if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any care instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Schedule in-person visits if recommended.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Keep notes of the visit and any prescribed medications or treatments.
• Contact the healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or if you have concerns.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for emergency situations?

No, telemedicine is not suitable for emergencies. If your child has severe symptoms like trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or severe injury, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

How long does it usually take to get a response when emailing my child's doctor?

Response times vary but often take from several hours to a few days. Email is best for non-urgent questions. For urgent concerns, consider telemedicine or direct phone contact.

Is telemedicine safe and private?

Yes, telemedicine platforms use secure technology to protect your child's health information. Make sure you use the official platform recommended by your healthcare provider and avoid public Wi-Fi networks during visits.

Can the doctor prescribe medication through telemedicine?

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

What if I don’t have good internet access?

If internet access is limited, some providers offer telephone visits. Email can also be used for non-urgent communication. For urgent or complex issues, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic — World Health Organization.
4. Email Communication with Patients — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or an emergency, seek immediate medical attention.