Can Telemedicine Treat Kidney Stone (Suspected) - Triage?

Audience: adult

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and other symptoms. If you suspect you have a kidney stone, telemedicine can be a helpful first step to assess your symptoms and guide you on what to do next. Through a virtual visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your pain, other symptoms, and medical history to decide if you need urgent care or tests. Telemedicine can help you understand ways to manage mild symptoms at home and when to seek in-person care. However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams, imaging tests, or emergency treatments that may be necessary for serious cases. If you experience severe pain, fever, difficulty urinating, or blood in your urine, you should seek immediate medical attention. Telemedicine is a useful tool for triage and education but is not a substitute for emergency or in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe, unrelenting pain not relieved by medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• Fever or chills accompanying pain — possible infection requiring urgent treatment.
• Inability to urinate or severe difficulty urinating — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage
• Providing education about kidney stones and symptom management
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care
• Follow-up discussions after initial diagnosis or treatment

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination or imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan)
• Emergency pain management or surgery
• Treatment of infections or complications
• Laboratory testing or urine analysis

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. They can cause sharp pain, usually in your side or back, and may lead to other symptoms like blood in your urine or nausea. Stones vary in size and may pass through the urinary tract on their own or require medical treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can ask about your symptoms, such as pain location and severity, and any other health issues. This helps determine if your symptoms suggest a kidney stone or another problem. The provider can guide you on managing mild symptoms and advise if you need urgent tests or hospital care.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Kidney Stones

While telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment, it cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans needed to confirm kidney stones. It also cannot provide emergency treatments such as pain control injections or surgery. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, you will need in-person evaluation promptly.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. These include:

If you have any of these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Managing Mild Symptoms at Home

For mild kidney stone symptoms, you may be advised to:

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare to describe any pain: location, intensity, and what makes it better or worse.
• List any other health conditions or medications you are taking.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection for the visit.
• Have a way to take notes during the consultation for instructions or advice.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom management and hydration.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and note any changes or worsening.
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flag symptoms develop.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Contact your provider if you have questions or new symptoms after the tele-visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine confirm if I have a kidney stone?

Telemedicine cannot confirm a kidney stone because it cannot perform imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans. It can help assess your symptoms and decide if you need these tests in person.

What should I do if my pain is very severe?

If your pain is severe and not relieved by medication, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe pain may require treatments that cannot be provided through telemedicine.

Can I pass a kidney stone without surgery?

Many small kidney stones pass on their own with time and increased fluid intake. However, larger stones or those causing complications may require medical procedures.

Is it safe to take painkillers without seeing a doctor in person?

Over-the-counter pain medicines are often safe for mild symptoms, but you should use them as directed. If pain is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare provider to avoid complications.

When should I call emergency services for kidney stone symptoms?

Call emergency services if you have severe pain that does not improve, fever or chills, inability to urinate, or heavy bleeding in your urine.

Sources

1. Kidney Stones — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Kidney Stones — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Kidney Stones: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek emergency or face-to-face medical attention promptly.