Telemedicine vs House Calls: When to Choose One vs the Other for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

Telemedicine and house calls are two ways to get medical care for children. Telemedicine uses video or phone calls to connect with a healthcare provider from home. House calls mean a provider visits your home in person. Both have benefits and limits. Telemedicine is often quick and easy for mild illnesses or follow-ups. House calls may be better for young children who need a hands-on exam or if travel is hard. Knowing when to use each can help keep your child safe and get the right care fast. This guide explains when telemedicine or house calls may be best for your child, what to prepare, and when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, is gasping, or making noisy breaths — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child has a high fever (above 39°C/102°F) that lasts more than 2 days or does not respond to fever medicine.
• Child is unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or unresponsive — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild respiratory infections like colds or mild coughs
• Skin rashes or minor injuries that do not require hands-on care
• Medication management and follow-up for chronic conditions
• Parental guidance and health education

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties or respiratory distress
• High fever with signs of serious illness
• Severe pain or injury requiring physical examination
• Emergency situations needing immediate hands-on intervention

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine lets you talk to a doctor or nurse using a phone or computer. It is good for checking symptoms, getting advice, or managing ongoing conditions without leaving home. You can often get care faster and avoid waiting rooms. However, the provider cannot do a physical exam or tests in person during a tele-visit.

What Are House Calls?

House calls mean a healthcare provider comes to your home to see your child. This allows a full physical exam and sometimes tests or treatments on site. House calls can be helpful if your child is very young, has trouble traveling, or needs hands-on care. They may take more time to arrange than telemedicine.

When to Choose Telemedicine for Your Child

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Telemedicine can provide quick advice and help decide if in-person care is needed.

When to Choose House Calls for Your Child

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House calls provide direct care and exams that telemedicine cannot.

Red Flags: When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Watch for these danger signs in your child:

If you see these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

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Good preparation helps the provider give better care.

After Your Telemedicine or House Call Visit

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Keeping track after the visit helps your child recover safely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet or phone connection for the tele-visit.
• Have your child's recent medical history and medication list ready.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly and answer questions.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the call or video visit.
• Have a thermometer or other monitoring tools available if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Administer any prescribed medications as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or tests.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop after the visit.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine is helpful for many situations but cannot replace all in-person visits. Some conditions need physical exams, tests, or treatments that require a healthcare provider to be with your child.

Are house calls available everywhere?

House calls depend on healthcare providers in your area. They may not be available everywhere and can take longer to arrange than telemedicine visits.

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

If your child’s symptoms worsen or you notice any danger signs, seek emergency care immediately or contact your healthcare provider for advice.

How do I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit?

Explain to your child what will happen during the visit. Have them nearby and ready to answer questions or show symptoms. Make sure your device is working and you have a quiet space.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medications?

Often, yes. Telemedicine providers can prescribe medications when appropriate, but some medicines may require an in-person visit depending on local rules and the child's condition.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine and Pediatric Care — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. House Calls and Home Visits for Pediatric Patients — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for education and triage only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your child's healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or emergency.