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

Audience: adult

If you suspect you have pneumonia, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms and decide the next steps. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. During the video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may guide you on monitoring your condition. It is important to prepare for the visit by having your symptoms and any recent health information ready. While telemedicine can help triage your condition, some cases require in-person evaluation or emergency care. This guide helps you understand how to get ready for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and when to seek urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening difficulty breathing — call emergency services immediately.
• Chest pain that is severe or does not go away — seek urgent medical attention.
• Confusion, difficulty waking, or blue lips/face — get emergency care right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for suspected pneumonia.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about pneumonia symptoms and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams like listening to lungs with a stethoscope.
• Ordering or conducting chest X-rays or lab tests remotely.
• Administering treatments such as intravenous antibiotics or oxygen therapy.
• Managing severe or life-threatening respiratory distress.

What is Pneumonia and Why a Video Visit?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can cause cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. A video visit allows your healthcare provider to ask about your symptoms and guide you on care without needing to visit a clinic immediately. This can be safer and more convenient, especially if you are feeling unwell.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may observe your breathing and ask you to show your breathing effort on camera. Based on this, they will advise if you need urgent care, tests, or treatment at home. They may also provide instructions on monitoring your symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:

These signs may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent in-person evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to a reliable internet source.
• Find a quiet and well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a list of your current symptoms and when they began.
• Gather information about your medical history and current medications.
• If possible, have a thermometer and pulse oximeter ready to share readings.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care advice and treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and keep track of any changes.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed.
• Seek in-person care if your symptoms worsen or if you develop any red flag signs.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended by your provider.
• Maintain good rest, hydration, and nutrition to support recovery.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose pneumonia?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider assess your symptoms and decide if you might have pneumonia, but it cannot definitively diagnose it. Diagnosis often requires a physical exam and tests like a chest X-ray, which need to be done in person.

What should I do if I cannot get a pulse oximeter?

If you do not have a pulse oximeter, try to monitor your breathing and general condition closely. Note if you feel very short of breath, have chest pain, or feel confused. Share these symptoms with your provider during the video visit. They will guide you on next steps.

Is it safe to wait for a video visit if I have pneumonia symptoms?

If your symptoms are mild and you do not have red flag signs, a video visit can be a safe first step to get medical advice. However, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek emergency care immediately.

Can I get a prescription through a video visit for pneumonia?

Your provider may prescribe medications such as antibiotics if they suspect bacterial pneumonia and if it is appropriate based on your symptoms and history. This depends on the provider’s assessment during the video visit.

How can I prevent pneumonia?

Preventive steps include getting vaccinated against pneumonia and flu, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your provider can give more advice tailored to your situation.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek emergency or face-to-face medical attention promptly.