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

Audience: adult

If you suspect you have pancreatitis, preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most accurate advice and support. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often causing upper belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. During your video visit, a provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent events that might have triggered your pain. They may also guide you on whether you need urgent in-person care or tests. This guide helps you know what information to have ready, what signs need immediate attention, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for suspected pancreatitis. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful first step but is not a substitute for emergency care or thorough physical exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe, persistent upper abdominal pain that worsens despite rest or medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever with chills or sweating — contact emergency services without delay.
• Inability to keep fluids down due to vomiting, leading to dehydration — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for suspected pancreatitis.
• Review of medical history and current medications.
• Guidance on when to seek emergency or in-person care.
• Advice on symptom management and follow-up planning.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to check for abdominal tenderness or swelling.
• Blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes and other markers.
• Imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans.
• Emergency treatment for severe pancreatitis or complications.

What is Suspected Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. Symptoms often include sudden upper belly pain that may spread to your back, nausea, vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Suspected pancreatitis means you or your provider think you might have this condition based on your symptoms.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather important information to share with your provider:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and health history. They may ask you to show your abdomen on camera to check for visible signs like swelling. Based on your answers, they will advise if you need urgent in-person evaluation, tests like blood work or imaging, or if you can manage symptoms at home with follow-up.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience:

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Suspected Pancreatitis

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps but cannot perform physical exams, blood tests, or imaging needed to confirm pancreatitis. If your provider suspects severe disease, they will refer you for urgent in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms with start time and severity.
• List all current medications and allergies.
• Prepare to describe your recent alcohol use or gallbladder issues.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet for your video visit.
• Have a device ready with camera and microphone enabled.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s advice on symptom management at home.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or follow-up visits.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your healthcare provider later.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose pancreatitis?

A video visit can help assess your symptoms and decide if you need urgent tests or care, but it cannot confirm pancreatitis. Diagnosis usually requires blood tests and imaging done in person.

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

If your abdominal pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

Can I manage mild pancreatitis symptoms at home?

Some mild cases may be managed at home with rest, hydration, and pain control, but only under guidance from your healthcare provider. Always follow their instructions and report worsening symptoms.

Why does alcohol use matter for pancreatitis?

Alcohol can irritate the pancreas and is a common cause of pancreatitis. Your provider will ask about alcohol use to understand possible causes and guide treatment.

Sources

1. Pancreatitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pancreatitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Acute Pancreatitis: Clinical Features and Diagnosis — National Library of Medicine.

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