Telemedicine vs House Calls: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do

Audience: adult

Telemedicine and house calls are two ways to get medical care without visiting a clinic or hospital. Telemedicine uses technology like video calls or phone to connect you with a healthcare provider remotely. House calls involve a healthcare professional visiting you at home. Both options can be convenient and reduce travel, especially for people with mobility challenges or busy schedules. Telemedicine often works well for routine check-ups, minor illnesses, medication questions, and follow-ups. House calls may be better when a physical exam or tests are needed on site. However, neither option replaces emergency care or situations needing immediate hands-on treatment. Understanding what each can and cannot do helps you choose the best care for your needs. Always seek urgent in-person care if you experience serious symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking — call emergency services.
• Severe difficulty breathing or choking — get urgent medical help right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Minor illnesses like colds and flu symptoms
• Medication refills and management
• Mental health counseling and support
• Routine follow-up visits
• Chronic disease monitoring and advice

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency medical conditions
• Severe or worsening symptoms needing physical exam
• Procedures or treatments requiring hands-on care
• Complex diagnostic testing needing specialized equipment
• Severe mobility or cognitive impairments requiring in-person assessment

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine lets you talk to a healthcare provider using a phone, video call, or app. It can be done from your home or anywhere with internet or phone access. Providers can assess symptoms, give advice, prescribe medications, and help manage chronic conditions remotely. Telemedicine saves travel time and can be faster for simple health questions.

What Are House Calls?

House calls mean a healthcare professional comes to your home to provide care. This allows for a physical exam, vital signs check, and some tests or treatments that need to be done in person. House calls are helpful for people who cannot easily leave their home due to illness, disability, or lack of transportation.

When to Choose Telemedicine

Telemedicine is often suitable for:

It is convenient and can provide quick advice without leaving home.

When to Choose House Calls

House calls may be better when:

House calls provide more hands-on care at home.

Limitations and When to Seek Emergency Care

Neither telemedicine nor house calls are suitable for emergencies. If you experience:

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These options are for non-urgent care and may not replace in-person visits when detailed exams or urgent treatments are needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection.
• Have your medical history and current medications ready to share.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions you want to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and software/app is updated.
• Have a family member or caregiver nearby if you need assistance.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions carefully.
• Fill any prescribed medications promptly.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen.
• Keep notes of your telemedicine visit for future reference.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace all in-person doctor visits?

Telemedicine is useful for many health concerns but cannot replace all in-person visits. Some conditions require physical exams, tests, or treatments that need to be done face-to-face.

Are house calls still common today?

House calls are less common than before but are still offered in some areas, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling or need more personalized home care.

What technology do I need for telemedicine?

You typically need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet or phone connection. Some providers use special apps or websites.

Is telemedicine safe and private?

Yes, reputable telemedicine providers use secure platforms to protect your privacy. Always use official apps or websites and avoid sharing sensitive information on unsecured networks.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or new serious symptoms appear, seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine providers can advise but cannot provide emergency treatment remotely.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. House Calls for Medical Care — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Medical Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: Opportunities and Developments in Member States — World Health Organization (WHO).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment.