What happens after a telemedicine visit for Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella) - Triage

Audience: adult

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, often transmitted through scratches or bites from cats. After a telemedicine visit for CSD, your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and may recommend tests or treatments. Typically, treatment involves antibiotics and care to manage symptoms. You may be advised to watch for any worsening signs or complications. Follow-up appointments, either virtual or in-person, might be scheduled to ensure recovery. It is important to monitor your health closely and seek immediate care if serious symptoms develop. Telemedicine can help guide your care but may not replace the need for physical exams or urgent treatment in some cases.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days or not responding to medication — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe swelling, redness, or pain around the scratch or bite site — get evaluated in person promptly.
• Neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion, seizures, or difficulty speaking — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual examination of skin lesions via video.
• Providing education on disease and prevention.
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and monitoring recovery.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures such as wound drainage.
• Conducting laboratory tests or imaging studies.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms requiring emergency care.
• Diagnosing complications that need in-person evaluation.

Understanding Cat Scratch Disease and Your Telemedicine Visit

Cat Scratch Disease is caused by bacteria transmitted from cats, usually through scratches or bites. Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, exposure to cats, and medical history. They may visually examine affected areas via video and decide if further testing or treatment is needed.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the visit, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. You might receive advice on how to care for wounds and manage symptoms like fever or pain. Sometimes, additional tests such as blood work or imaging are recommended to check for complications. Follow any instructions carefully and keep track of your symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and follow-up, certain signs require urgent in-person evaluation. These include severe swelling or pain, high fever that does not improve, difficulty breathing, or neurological symptoms like weakness or confusion. If you notice any of these, seek emergency care promptly.

Follow-Up and Monitoring Your Recovery

Your healthcare provider may schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery. This could be through telemedicine or in-person, depending on your progress. Keep a symptom diary and report any new or worsening signs. Completing the full course of antibiotics and following care instructions helps ensure the infection resolves fully.

Preventing Future Cat Scratch Disease

To reduce the risk of CSD, avoid rough play with cats, especially kittens. Wash any scratches or bites promptly with soap and water. Keep your pets healthy and free of fleas, as fleas can carry Bartonella bacteria. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider during follow-up visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms and when they started.
• Be ready to describe any contact with cats or animals.
• Prepare to show affected skin areas clearly on camera.
• Have a list of current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your tele-visit.

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or severe symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can Cat Scratch Disease go away without treatment?

In many cases, Cat Scratch Disease may improve on its own over weeks to months. However, antibiotics often speed recovery and reduce complications. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Is Cat Scratch Disease contagious to other people?

Cat Scratch Disease is not usually spread from person to person. It is primarily transmitted through cat scratches or bites.

What if I don’t have a cat but have symptoms?

While cats are the main source, other animals or insect bites can rarely transmit Bartonella. Your provider may consider other causes and recommend appropriate tests.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for this condition?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and follow-up but cannot replace physical exams or urgent care when severe symptoms or complications occur.

How long does it take to recover from Cat Scratch Disease?

Recovery typically takes a few weeks, but some symptoms like swollen lymph nodes may last longer. Follow-up helps ensure full recovery.

Sources

1. Cat Scratch Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Cat-Scratch Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Bartonella henselae Infection (Cat Scratch Disease) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Cat Scratch Disease — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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