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

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a suspected case of pneumonia, a telemedicine visit can be an important first step to understand their symptoms and decide what to do next. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your child's breathing, fever, cough, and overall behavior. They may guide you on how to monitor symptoms and when to seek urgent care. After the visit, you will usually receive advice on managing symptoms at home, such as giving fluids, fever reducers, and watching for warning signs. Sometimes, the provider may recommend an in-person exam or urgent care if symptoms are severe or worsening. Remember, telemedicine helps guide care but cannot replace a full physical exam or tests like chest X-rays. Always follow up as advised and seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, bluish lips, or becomes very sleepy or unresponsive.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child is breathing very fast or struggling to breathe — seek emergency care immediately.
• Lips or face appear bluish or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Your child is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, or unresponsive — get urgent medical help.

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 care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams such as listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
• Ordering or conducting diagnostic tests like chest X-rays or blood tests.
• Administering treatments or medications directly.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening pneumonia cases requiring hospitalization.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will summarize their findings and give you advice on how to care for your child at home. This may include instructions on medication, hydration, rest, and how to monitor symptoms closely. They may also explain signs that mean you should get urgent medical help.

Monitoring Your Child's Symptoms at Home

Keep track of your child's breathing, temperature, and energy levels. Use a thermometer regularly to check for fever. Watch for any changes in breathing effort, such as fast breathing, wheezing, or difficulty talking or eating. Note if your child becomes more irritable, lethargic, or has persistent vomiting.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child’s symptoms worsen or if you notice red flags like difficulty breathing, bluish skin or lips, or unresponsiveness, seek emergency care immediately. Your provider may have also recommended a follow-up visit or tests that require going to a clinic or hospital.

Follow-Up and Additional Testing

Sometimes, your healthcare provider will suggest a follow-up appointment to check on your child’s progress. They may also recommend tests such as a chest X-ray or blood work to confirm the diagnosis or check for complications. These tests cannot be done through telemedicine and require an in-person visit.

Supporting Your Child’s Recovery

Encourage rest and plenty of fluids. Use fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as advised by your healthcare provider. Keep your child away from smoke and other irritants. Maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading infection to others.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child’s symptoms ready, including when they started and how they have changed.
• Know your child’s temperature readings and any medications given.
• Be prepared to describe your child’s breathing pattern and effort.
• Have a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Keep a thermometer and any prescribed medications nearby during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on medications and symptom monitoring.
• Keep a daily record of your child’s temperature and breathing.
• Watch closely for any red flag symptoms and seek emergency care if they appear.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Ensure your child rests and stays hydrated throughout recovery.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose pneumonia in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care, but it cannot definitively diagnose pneumonia because it lacks a physical exam and tests like chest X-rays. Your provider may recommend an in-person visit for confirmation.

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

If symptoms worsen, especially if your child has trouble breathing, bluish lips, or becomes very sleepy, seek emergency medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms are concerning but not emergency-level.

Are antibiotics always needed for pneumonia?

Not always. Some pneumonia cases are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will advise if antibiotics are appropriate based on symptoms and follow-up evaluations.

How can I help my child recover at home?

Ensure your child rests, drinks plenty of fluids, and takes fever-reducing medications as advised. Keep the environment smoke-free and maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading infection.

When should I schedule a follow-up visit?

Follow-up timing depends on your child’s symptoms and provider recommendations. If symptoms improve, a routine check may be suggested. If symptoms persist or worsen, sooner follow-up or in-person evaluation may be necessary.

Sources

1. Pneumonia in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pneumonia: Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Pneumonia - Pediatric Care — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Pneumonia - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can guide you but is not a substitute for an in-person examination or emergency care when needed. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and seek immediate help if your child's condition worsens or you notice any danger signs.