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

Audience: adult

If you have had a telemedicine visit because pneumonia is suspected, you may wonder what comes next. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can cause cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. After your telemedicine appointment, your healthcare provider will often advise you on the next steps based on your symptoms and risk factors. This may include monitoring your symptoms at home, getting tests done, or visiting a healthcare facility for further care. It is important to watch for signs that your condition is getting worse, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion. Telemedicine can help guide you in deciding when to seek emergency care or follow-up in person. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but may not replace the need for physical exams or imaging tests to confirm pneumonia. Always follow your provider's advice and seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Chest pain that is new or worsening
• Confusion, difficulty staying awake, or bluish lips/face

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage
• Providing advice on symptom management
• Guidance on when to seek emergency or in-person care
• Scheduling follow-up telemedicine visits

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like chest X-rays
• Administering treatments or medications directly
• Managing severe or life-threatening symptoms

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit for suspected pneumonia, your provider may recommend several next steps. These could include home care instructions such as rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever or pain. Your provider might also suggest getting a chest X-ray or blood tests at a local clinic or hospital to confirm the diagnosis. Follow-up appointments, either by telemedicine or in-person, may be scheduled to check your progress. If your symptoms are mild and you have no risk factors, you might be advised to monitor your symptoms closely at home.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room:

These signs may indicate severe pneumonia or complications that need urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Helps in Pneumonia Care

Telemedicine allows you to connect with healthcare providers from home. It helps in initial assessment, symptom monitoring, and deciding if you need in-person care. Providers can offer advice on medications, symptom management, and when to seek further testing or emergency care. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or order imaging tests directly, so sometimes an in-person visit is necessary.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Follow-Up

Before your telemedicine follow-up, prepare by:

This preparation helps your provider assess your condition accurately.

Managing Symptoms at Home

If your provider advises home care, you can:

Keep in touch with your healthcare provider if symptoms change.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note your current symptoms and any changes since your last visit
• Have a list of all medications and supplements you are taking
• Measure your temperature and oxygen saturation if possible
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the tele-visit
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s instructions on medications and symptom monitoring
• Schedule any recommended tests such as chest X-rays or blood work
• Attend follow-up appointments as advised, either by telemedicine or in person
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop
• Maintain good hydration and rest to support recovery

FAQs

Can telemedicine confirm if I have pneumonia?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and help decide if pneumonia is suspected, but they cannot perform physical exams or order imaging tests like chest X-rays directly. Confirming pneumonia often requires in-person tests.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or high fever, seek emergency medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms are less severe but still concerning.

How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of pneumonia and your overall health. Mild cases may improve within a week or two, while more severe cases can take several weeks. Follow your provider’s advice and attend follow-up visits.

Is it safe to treat pneumonia at home?

Many mild cases of pneumonia can be managed safely at home with proper care and monitoring. However, some people, especially older adults or those with other health problems, may need hospital care. Your provider will help determine the best plan for you.

Can I prevent pneumonia?

You can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene, avoiding smoking, getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infections, and managing chronic health conditions. Discuss prevention with your healthcare provider.

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 - Overview — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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