Telemedicine vs Patient Portal Messages: What Each Option Does & Doesn’t Do for Pediatric Care

Audience: pediatric

Telemedicine and patient portal messages are two ways families can connect with healthcare providers for children's health needs. Telemedicine uses live video or phone calls to allow doctors to see and talk with patients in real time. This helps with many health concerns that need a quick check or discussion. Patient portal messages let families send questions or updates to their child's doctor through a secure online system, often used for non-urgent matters. Both tools can make healthcare more convenient and accessible, but they have limits. Telemedicine can handle many common illnesses and follow-ups but cannot replace emergency care or detailed physical exams. Patient portal messages are good for simple questions or medication refills but are not for urgent problems. Knowing when to use each option helps keep children safe and ensures they get the right care at the right time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If your child has trouble breathing, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• If your child is unresponsive, very drowsy, or difficult to wake, seek emergency care right away.
• If your child has a high fever (over 39°C/102°F) lasting more than 24 hours or seizures, get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Common illnesses like colds, flu, and mild infections
• Follow-up visits after hospital discharge
• Discussion of test results and medication management
• Behavioral health consultations and developmental concerns

What telemedicine cannot do

• Medical emergencies such as severe breathing difficulty or injuries
• Physical exams requiring hands-on assessment
• Procedures or treatments needing specialized equipment
• Immediate interventions for sudden severe symptoms

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine lets you see and talk to a healthcare provider using video or phone. It works like a virtual visit. This is helpful when your child feels sick, but you cannot go to the clinic easily. The provider can watch, listen, and ask questions to understand your child's health.

What are Patient Portal Messages?

Patient portal messages are secure emails sent through a healthcare website or app. You can ask non-urgent questions, request medication refills, or share updates about your child's health. Providers usually respond within a day or two.

When to Use Telemedicine vs Patient Portal Messages

Use telemedicine if your child has symptoms that need a quick check, like fever, rash, or cough. It is useful for follow-up visits after a hospital stay or to discuss test results. Use patient portal messages for simple questions about medications, scheduling appointments, or sharing minor health updates.

Limitations of Each Option

Telemedicine cannot replace in-person exams when a physical check is needed, such as listening to the heart or lungs with a stethoscope. It is not for emergencies like severe breathing problems or injuries. Patient portal messages are not for urgent issues because responses may be delayed. Neither option can provide certain tests or procedures.

Safety and Privacy

Both telemedicine and patient portals use secure technology to protect your child's health information. Always use trusted devices and networks when accessing these services. If you feel unsure about your child's condition, seek in-person care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection.
• Have your child's medical history, medications, and recent symptoms ready to share.
• Make sure your device's camera and microphone work properly.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and available during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions or prescriptions given by the provider.
• Schedule in-person visits if recommended for further examination.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Use patient portal messages for any follow-up questions or updates.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit for your child's health history.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for a sudden fever in my child?

Yes, telemedicine can often help assess a sudden fever and guide you on next steps. However, if the fever is very high or your child shows other serious symptoms, seek emergency care.

How fast will I get a reply to a patient portal message?

Response times vary but typically you can expect an answer within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent concerns, use telemedicine or emergency services instead.

Is telemedicine safe for young children?

Yes, telemedicine is generally safe and effective for children. Providers are trained to assess pediatric patients remotely and will advise if an in-person visit is needed.

Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine?

Often, providers can prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. Some medications may require an in-person exam before prescribing.

What if my internet connection is poor during a telemedicine visit?

If video is not possible, many providers offer phone visits as an alternative. If neither is feasible, you may need to schedule an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Patient Portals and Health Information Technology — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Telemedicine: Pediatric Care — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Using Patient Portals to Improve Pediatric Care — FamilyDoctor.org | American Academy of Family Physicians.

This article provides general information about telemedicine and patient portal messages and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek immediate in-person care for emergencies or if you have concerns about your child's health.