What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Kidney Stone (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a suspected kidney stone and you have just completed a telemedicine visit, you might wonder what comes next. During the visit, a healthcare provider assessed your child's symptoms and medical history to decide the best next steps. Often, this includes arranging tests like urine or blood tests, or imaging studies such as an ultrasound or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Your provider may recommend ways to manage pain and increase fluid intake at home. In some cases, urgent in-person care is needed if symptoms are severe. After the telemedicine visit, you will receive guidance on monitoring symptoms, when to seek emergency care, and follow-up plans. Remember, telemedicine helps guide care but does not replace in-person evaluation when needed. Keeping track of your child's symptoms and following the care plan can help ensure the best outcome.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with prescribed pain relief — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — contact emergency services promptly.
• Inability to drink fluids or persistent vomiting leading to dehydration — go to the nearest emergency room.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and medical history review.
• Providing advice on symptom management and hydration.
• Ordering preliminary tests such as urine or blood tests.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Scheduling follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Conducting imaging tests like ultrasounds or X-rays (these require in-person visits).
• Administering emergency treatments or procedures.
• Diagnosing complex cases needing specialist evaluation immediately.
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation where regulations require.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider may suggest tests to better understand your child's condition. These tests can include urine tests to check for blood or infection, blood tests to assess kidney function, or imaging like an ultrasound to look for stones. You might get instructions on how to manage your child's pain and stay hydrated at home. The provider will also explain signs to watch for that need urgent attention.

Common Next Steps in Care

Your child may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help pass the stone naturally. Pain relief medication suitable for children might be recommended. If the stone is small, it often passes on its own, but larger stones may require further treatment. Follow-up appointments, either in-person or via telemedicine, help track progress and decide if more care is needed.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If your child has severe pain that does not improve with medication, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking fluids, blood in the urine that is heavy or persistent, or signs of dehydration, go to the nearest emergency room. These could mean complications that need urgent treatment.

How to Prepare for Follow-Up Visits

Keep a diary of your child's symptoms, including pain levels, urine changes, and any new signs. Bring any test results you have to the follow-up visit. Prepare questions you want to ask the healthcare provider. This helps make the next visit more effective.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Encourage your child to drink fluids regularly unless told otherwise. Use pain medications as directed and avoid giving any other medicines without consulting the provider. Help your child rest and avoid strenuous activity until symptoms improve. Monitor for any changes and keep communication open with your healthcare team.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare a list of any medications or supplements your child is taking.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection for the visit.
• Have a pen and paper or device ready to take notes during the visit.
• Be ready to provide your child's medical history, including any previous kidney issues or surgeries.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on pain management and hydration.
• Complete any ordered laboratory or imaging tests promptly.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments, either via telemedicine or in-person.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a kidney stone be treated through telemedicine alone?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but treatment often requires tests and sometimes procedures that must be done in person. Telemedicine is a useful first step but not a complete treatment for kidney stones.

What tests might my child need after a telemedicine visit?

Common tests include urine analysis to check for blood or infection, blood tests to assess kidney function, and imaging studies like ultrasound or X-rays to locate the stone and determine its size.

How can I help my child pass a kidney stone at home?

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise, manage pain with recommended medications, and ensure they rest. Avoid giving any medicines without consulting your healthcare provider.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if your child has severe pain not relieved by medication, a high fever with chills, persistent vomiting causing dehydration, or heavy blood in the urine. These signs may indicate complications.

Will my child need surgery for a kidney stone?

Many small kidney stones pass on their own with home care. Surgery or other procedures may be needed if the stone is large, causing blockage, or not passing naturally. Your healthcare provider will guide you based on test results.

Sources

1. Kidney Stones — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Kidney Stones: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Kidney Stones — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Kidney Stones — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can guide care but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation and treatment when needed. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and seek emergency care if your child's symptoms worsen or become severe.