What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Perinatal Anxiety - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for perinatal anxiety, you will usually receive guidance on managing your symptoms and information about next steps. The healthcare provider may suggest self-care strategies, recommend follow-up visits, or refer you to mental health specialists if needed. Telemedicine visits help identify if your anxiety symptoms require urgent care or ongoing support. It is important to watch for any worsening symptoms or new concerns and to communicate these with your provider. While telemedicine can offer convenient support, some situations may require in-person care. Understanding what to expect after your visit can help you feel more confident in managing perinatal anxiety and knowing when to seek additional help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe difficulty caring for yourself or your infant — contact emergency services or go to the hospital.
• Sudden worsening of anxiety symptoms with confusion, disorientation, or inability to communicate — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment and triage of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum.
• Providing education on anxiety management and coping strategies.
• Scheduling follow-up visits to monitor symptoms.
• Referrals to mental health specialists or support resources.
• Answering questions about perinatal anxiety and available treatments.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations involving suicidal thoughts or harm to self or baby.
• Physical examinations that require in-person evaluation.
• Medical emergencies such as severe mood changes or psychosis.
• Administration of certain treatments or medications that require direct supervision.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider may summarize the discussion and suggest steps to manage anxiety symptoms. This might include relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes like regular sleep and nutrition, or simple exercises to reduce stress. You may also receive information on warning signs to watch for and when to seek further care.

Follow-Up Care and Referrals

Depending on your symptoms, your provider might recommend scheduling follow-up telemedicine visits to monitor your condition. If needed, they may refer you to mental health specialists such as counselors or psychiatrists who can provide therapy or medication management. Some patients may benefit from support groups or community resources focused on perinatal mental health.

Monitoring Your Symptoms at Home

It is helpful to keep track of your mood, sleep patterns, and anxiety levels after your visit. Writing down any changes or new symptoms can assist your provider in understanding your progress during follow-up appointments. Regular self-monitoring helps identify if symptoms improve, stay the same, or worsen.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience severe symptoms such as thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, inability to care for yourself or your child, or intense feelings of hopelessness, seek emergency care immediately. Telemedicine is not a substitute for urgent in-person evaluation in these situations.

How Telemedicine Supports Perinatal Anxiety Care

Telemedicine allows you to access care from home, which can be comforting during the perinatal period. It helps reduce barriers like travel and childcare. Providers can offer education, emotional support, and triage to determine the best care plan. However, telemedicine has limits and may not replace some in-person assessments or treatments.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect you.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the visit.
• Ensure you have your identification and any relevant medical records available.
• Consider having a trusted person nearby if you feel comfortable, for support after the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the self-care and management advice given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointments.
• Contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
• Use symptom tracking tools or journals to monitor your mental health.
• Reach out to mental health specialists if referred for therapy or medication evaluation.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits replace all in-person care for perinatal anxiety?

Telemedicine is a helpful tool for assessment, education, and follow-up, but it cannot replace all in-person care. Some situations, especially emergencies or when physical exams are needed, require you to see a healthcare provider in person.

What should I do if I feel worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your anxiety symptoms worsen or you experience new problems, contact your healthcare provider promptly. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek emergency care immediately.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit about perinatal anxiety?

Prepare by finding a private space, listing your symptoms and questions, and having any medical records ready. This helps your provider understand your situation and offer the best advice.

Will my telemedicine provider prescribe medication for perinatal anxiety?

Your provider may discuss medication options if appropriate, but prescriptions depend on your individual situation and local regulations. Sometimes a referral to a specialist is needed for medication management.

Is telemedicine confidential?

Yes, telemedicine visits are designed to be private and confidential. Make sure you are in a private space during your visit to protect your privacy.

Sources

1. Perinatal Depression and Anxiety — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Perinatal Mental Health — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth for Mental Health Care — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
5. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression: A Review — National Library of Medicine (NCBI).

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