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

Audience: pediatric

When your child is sick or needs a check-up, you might wonder whether to use telemedicine or a house call. Telemedicine lets you connect with a healthcare provider through video or phone from home. House calls involve a healthcare provider visiting your home in person. Both options have benefits and limits. Telemedicine is quick and convenient for many common illnesses and follow-ups. House calls allow a provider to see your child directly, which can be important for more complex or urgent problems. Understanding what each can and cannot do helps you choose the best care for your child’s needs. This guide explains the differences, safety signs to watch for, and how to prepare for either option.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child has a high fever that does not go down with medication or lasts more than 3 days — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Child is unusually sleepy, unresponsive, or difficult to wake — get emergency help right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Common colds, mild fevers, and minor infections.
• Follow-up visits for ongoing conditions.
• Medication questions and general advice.
• Mild rashes or skin conditions that can be seen on video.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing problems or chest pain.
• Serious injuries requiring physical examination or tests.
• Unconsciousness or severe altered mental status.
• Conditions needing urgent lab tests, imaging, or procedures.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine means seeing a healthcare provider using a phone, tablet, or computer. You can talk, show symptoms, and get advice without leaving home. It’s often used for colds, rashes, minor injuries, or medication questions. Telemedicine is fast and helps avoid travel or waiting rooms.

What Are House Calls?

House calls are when a healthcare provider visits your home to examine your child in person. This can be helpful if your child is too sick to travel or needs a hands-on exam. House calls may allow for tests or treatments that can’t be done remotely.

When to Choose Telemedicine or House Calls

Telemedicine is good for common illnesses, follow-up visits, and when travel is difficult. House calls may be better if your child has severe symptoms, needs a physical exam, or if telemedicine can’t fully assess the problem. Sometimes, an in-person visit at a clinic or hospital is needed.

Red Flags That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Watch for these danger signs in your child:

If you see these, seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting for telemedicine or house calls.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

Aftercare Steps Following Your Visit

After the visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet connection.
• Have your child’s medical history and current symptoms noted.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns for the provider.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, computer) is charged and functional.
• Have basic tools ready, like a thermometer or medication list.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and watch for any worsening.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Keep a record of medications or treatments given.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or condition worsens.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for my child?

Telemedicine can handle many common issues and follow-ups but cannot replace all in-person visits. Some conditions require a physical exam, tests, or urgent care that telemedicine cannot provide.

Are house calls available everywhere?

House calls depend on local healthcare services and may not be available in all areas. They are often used when travel is difficult or for children with special needs.

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

If your child’s symptoms worsen or new serious symptoms develop, seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine providers can guide you on when to get urgent care.

Is telemedicine safe for young children?

Yes, telemedicine is generally safe for young children for many common illnesses and follow-ups. However, providers may recommend in-person visits if they cannot fully assess your child remotely.

How do I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit?

Prepare your child by explaining what will happen during the video call. Have them in a comfortable, quiet place and ready to answer simple questions or show symptoms to the camera.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: Overview and Applications — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. House Calls: Bringing Care to Your Home — Mayo Clinic.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
5. Telemedicine for Pediatric Care: 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 the advice of your child's healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any new treatment.