How to prepare for a video visit about Biliary Colic (Gallbladder Pain) - Triage

Audience: adult

Biliary colic is a type of pain caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts, often leading to sudden pain in the upper right abdomen. Preparing for a video visit about biliary colic can help you share important information with your healthcare provider, so they can guide you on next steps. During the visit, you may discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any recent changes in your health. While telemedicine can help assess your condition and decide if you need urgent care, some situations require in-person evaluation. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand when to seek emergency care, and know what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine advice is not a substitute for emergency or in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever with chills accompanying abdominal pain — possible infection requiring urgent evaluation.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) — may indicate bile duct blockage needing prompt attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking for biliary colic.
• Guidance on when to seek urgent or emergency care.
• Advice on pain management and lifestyle modifications.
• Scheduling follow-up tests or referrals to specialists.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or abdominal imaging.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe complications.
• Administering intravenous medications or procedures.
• Diagnosing or treating complications like cholecystitis or cholangitis without in-person evaluation.

What is Biliary Colic?

Biliary colic is pain caused by gallstones temporarily blocking the flow of bile from the gallbladder. This often causes sudden, intense pain in the upper right or middle abdomen that may last from minutes to a few hours. The pain can sometimes spread to the back or right shoulder blade.

Symptoms to Share During Your Video Visit

Be ready to describe:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video visit, your healthcare provider can:

However, some tests and treatments require an in-person visit.

When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

These could be signs of serious complications like infection or gallbladder inflammation.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit:

What to Expect After Your Video Visit

Your provider may:

Follow their instructions carefully and seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with a reliable internet connection.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone are working.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including onset, duration, and severity.
• Have your medical history and current medications ready to share.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any pain management or dietary advice given by your provider.
• Schedule recommended diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or blood tests.
• Arrange in-person visits if referred by your provider.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and treatments for follow-up visits.

FAQs

What causes biliary colic?

Biliary colic is usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts temporarily. This blockage causes a buildup of pressure in the gallbladder, leading to pain.

Can a video visit diagnose biliary colic?

A video visit can help assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if biliary colic is likely. However, diagnosis often requires imaging tests like an ultrasound, which need to be done in person.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, high fever with chills, yellowing of your skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, or confusion. These signs may indicate serious complications.

How can I manage pain before seeing a doctor?

You may try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have no allergies or contraindications. Avoid fatty or heavy meals until you see a healthcare provider.

What tests might be needed after the video visit?

Your provider may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and blood tests to check for infection or liver function.

Sources

1. Gallstones — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease — Mayo Clinic.
3. Gallstones — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Gallstones — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.