What happens after a telemedicine visit for Pancreatitis (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for suspected pancreatitis in a child, families usually receive guidance on next steps to ensure safety and proper care. The healthcare provider may recommend urgent in-person evaluation, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening. Tests such as blood work and imaging are often needed to confirm the diagnosis and check for complications. Treatment typically involves managing pain, hydration, and nutrition, which may require hospital care. Telemedicine helps identify if immediate emergency care is needed and supports follow-up planning. It is important to watch for warning signs like severe belly pain, vomiting, or confusion, which need urgent medical attention. Families should keep track of symptoms and follow the provider’s advice closely. This guidance is educational and does not replace a physical exam or emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain needing immediate emergency care
• Persistent vomiting causing dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
• Confusion, difficulty waking up, or other signs of altered mental status

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage
• Providing education about suspected pancreatitis
• Guiding families on when to seek urgent or emergency care
• Arranging follow-up care and monitoring recovery

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment
• Conducting diagnostic tests like blood work or imaging
• Administering emergency treatments or intravenous fluids
• Managing severe or complicated pancreatitis cases requiring hospitalization

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will review your child's symptoms and medical history. They may suggest urgent in-person care if the symptoms seem severe. Often, blood tests and imaging like ultrasound or CT scans are needed to confirm pancreatitis and check for complications. Your provider will explain how to get these tests done safely.

Common Next Steps in Care

If pancreatitis is suspected or confirmed, treatment usually focuses on relieving pain, preventing dehydration, and supporting nutrition. This often requires hospital care where your child can be closely monitored. The healthcare team may give fluids through an IV, pain medicines, and advice on when to start eating again.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms require immediate emergency attention. These include:

If any of these occur, go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How Telemedicine Helps

Telemedicine allows quick evaluation to decide if your child needs urgent care. It helps reduce delays in treatment by guiding families on when to seek in-person evaluation. Follow-up visits can also be done via telemedicine to monitor recovery and answer questions.

Tips for Monitoring Your Child at Home

Keep a close eye on your child's symptoms. Note any changes in pain, vomiting, or behavior. Make sure your child drinks fluids as advised and rests. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or new symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed
• Prepare to describe your child's pain and any other signs like vomiting or fever
• Have a list of current medications and any allergies
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the tele-visit
• Have a notepad ready to write down instructions and next steps

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on urgent in-person evaluation if recommended
• Arrange for any prescribed tests such as blood work or imaging promptly
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and watch for red flags
• Ensure your child stays hydrated and rests as advised
• Attend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits to track recovery
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop

FAQs

What is pancreatitis in children?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. In children, it can cause belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. It often needs medical evaluation to confirm and treat.

Can telemedicine diagnose pancreatitis?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if your child needs urgent in-person tests and care, but it cannot confirm pancreatitis without physical exams and diagnostic tests like blood work and imaging.

What treatments might my child need?

Treatment usually includes managing pain, giving fluids to prevent dehydration, and supporting nutrition. This often requires hospital care where your child can be closely monitored.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has severe or worsening belly pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, confusion, or difficulty waking up, go to the emergency room immediately.

How can I help my child recover at home?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions, keep your child hydrated, encourage rest, and watch for any worsening symptoms or new concerns. Stay in touch with your provider for follow-up care.

Sources

1. Pancreatitis in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Acute Pancreatitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pancreatitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pancreatitis: Overview and Management — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.