How to prepare for a video visit about Kidney Stone (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: adult

If you think you might have a kidney stone, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain, blood in urine, or difficulty urinating. During a video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may guide you on tests or treatments. Preparing well can make your visit more effective. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for suspected kidney stones, and highlights when you need urgent in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a useful tool but not a replacement for emergency or hands-on medical care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe, unrelenting pain not relieved by medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever with chills indicating possible infection — get urgent medical attention.
• Inability to urinate or severe urinary difficulty — go to an emergency facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on hydration and pain management.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Reviewing and discussing test results if available.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or imaging tests.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe symptoms.
• Conducting procedures like catheter insertion.
• Prescribing certain medications without in-person evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms such as pain location, severity, and duration. They may inquire about any blood in your urine, fever, or difficulty urinating. Be ready to share your medical history, including past kidney stones or urinary tract infections. The provider might recommend tests like urine analysis or imaging, which usually require an in-person visit. They will discuss possible treatments and when to seek urgent care.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek emergency care if you experience:

These signs may indicate a serious infection or blockage requiring urgent treatment.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Suspected Kidney Stones

**Can Handle:**

**Cannot Handle:**

After Your Video Visit: Typical Next Steps

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good internet connectivity for your video visit.
• Prepare a detailed list of your symptoms, including onset and changes over time.
• Have a list of all current medications and allergies ready to share.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Have your identification and insurance information accessible if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s advice on pain relief and hydration.
• Arrange for any recommended urine tests or imaging studies.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any worsening or new symptoms.
• Seek emergency care if you develop red flag symptoms.
• Keep a summary of your telemedicine visit and any treatment plans for future reference.

FAQs

What symptoms suggest I might have a kidney stone?

Common symptoms include sudden, severe pain in your side or back, pain that spreads to the lower abdomen or groin, blood in your urine, frequent urination, or pain during urination.

Can a telemedicine visit confirm if I have a kidney stone?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps, but confirming a kidney stone usually requires imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan, which need to be done in person.

What should I do if my pain worsens after the video visit?

If your pain becomes severe and does not improve with medication, or if you develop fever, vomiting, or difficulty urinating, seek immediate in-person medical care.

How can I manage pain before seeing a doctor?

You can try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have no contraindications. Drinking plenty of water may help, but avoid excessive fluids if you have nausea or vomiting. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Will I need surgery for a kidney stone?

Many kidney stones pass on their own with time and hydration. Surgery or other procedures may be needed if the stone is large, causes blockage, or leads to complications. Your provider will discuss options based on your situation.

Sources

1. Kidney Stones — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Kidney Stones: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Kidney Stones — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Kidney Stones — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, especially in emergencies or severe cases. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious symptoms or worsening condition.