What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for COVID-19

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for COVID-19, you will usually receive advice on how to care for yourself at home and how to monitor your symptoms. Most people with mild COVID-19 recover without needing to visit a hospital. Your healthcare provider may recommend rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms like fever or cough. It's important to watch for any worsening signs, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, and seek urgent care if these occur. Your provider may also give guidance on how to isolate safely to protect others. Follow-up appointments might be scheduled to check your progress. Remember, telemedicine helps you get medical advice without leaving home, but if your symptoms become severe, in-person care is necessary. This guidance helps you understand what to expect after your virtual visit and how to take care of yourself safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Persistent chest pain or pressure — get urgent medical attention.
• New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and advice for mild COVID-19 cases.
• Guidance on home isolation and infection prevention.
• Monitoring symptom progression through follow-up virtual visits.
• Providing information about when to seek emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as severe breathing difficulties or chest pain.
• Physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Administering treatments or procedures that require in-person care.
• Performing diagnostic tests like chest X-rays or blood tests in person.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely give you instructions on how to manage your symptoms at home. This may include advice on resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever or relieve pain. You may also receive information about how long to isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Monitoring Your Symptoms at Home

It's important to keep track of your symptoms daily. Watch for any changes such as increased cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion. Use a thermometer to check your temperature regularly. If you have a pulse oximeter, monitoring your oxygen levels can also be helpful. Keep a record of your symptoms to share with your healthcare provider during follow-up.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

If you experience any warning signs like trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency medical care immediately. Telemedicine cannot replace urgent in-person evaluation for these serious symptoms.

Follow-Up Care and Additional Testing

Your provider may schedule follow-up telemedicine visits to check your recovery progress. Sometimes, additional tests like COVID-19 testing or chest imaging may be recommended based on your symptoms. Follow all instructions carefully and attend any scheduled appointments.

Protecting Others and Preventing Spread

Continue to isolate yourself as advised, usually for at least 5 to 10 days from symptom onset, depending on local guidelines. Wear a mask if you need to be around others, wash your hands frequently, and clean commonly touched surfaces. Inform close contacts so they can monitor their health.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your current symptoms, their start dates, and any changes.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and any allergies.
• Have a thermometer and pulse oximeter (if available) ready to provide readings.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and keep a symptom diary if possible.
• Isolate yourself according to guidelines to protect others.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine appointments.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you notice any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

How long will I need to isolate after my telemedicine visit?

Isolation usually lasts at least 5 to 10 days from when your symptoms started. Your healthcare provider will give you specific guidance based on your situation and local health recommendations.

Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes, your provider may prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms, such as fever reducers or cough medicine, during your telemedicine visit if appropriate.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately. For less severe changes, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Will I need a COVID-19 test after my telemedicine visit?

Your provider may recommend testing based on your symptoms and exposure history. Testing locations and procedures vary, so follow their instructions on where and when to get tested.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for COVID-19?

Telemedicine is useful for many aspects of COVID-19 care, especially for mild cases. However, it cannot replace in-person care when physical exams, emergency treatment, or diagnostic tests are needed.

Sources

1. COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines — National Institutes of Health (NIH).
2. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. COVID-19 Information — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.

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