How Follow‑Up Care Works at HLTHi

Audience: all

Follow-up care is an important part of your health journey after an initial telemedicine visit. At HLTHi, follow-up care helps ensure your treatment is working well and your health is improving. It usually involves checking in with your healthcare provider through additional telemedicine visits or messages. These follow-ups allow your provider to monitor symptoms, adjust treatments if needed, and answer any questions you may have. Follow-up care can help catch problems early and keep your care on track. It often includes reviewing test results, discussing new symptoms, or managing ongoing conditions. Understanding how follow-up works can help you feel more confident and supported in your healthcare.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain or pressure — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — call emergency services right away.
• Severe bleeding or loss of consciousness — go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Routine follow-up visits for stable chronic conditions.
• Reviewing test results and discussing symptoms.
• Medication adjustments and counseling.
• Mental health check-ins and support.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency medical situations requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Procedures needing physical examination or diagnostic testing not possible remotely.
• Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms needing urgent in-person evaluation.

What Is Follow-Up Care?

Follow-up care means staying in touch with your healthcare provider after your first telemedicine visit. It helps make sure your health is improving and your treatment is working. Follow-ups can be scheduled visits or quick check-ins through messages or calls. They allow your provider to see how you’re doing and make any needed changes to your care plan.

Why Follow-Up Care Matters

Follow-up care helps catch any problems early, so they don’t get worse. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and share any new symptoms. By staying connected, you and your provider can work together to keep your health on the right track.

How HLTHi Handles Follow-Up Care

At HLTHi, follow-up care is often planned during your first visit. Your provider will tell you when to check back in, which might be days or weeks later depending on your condition. You may also receive reminders or be able to message your provider anytime if you have concerns. Follow-ups can include reviewing test results, adjusting medications, or discussing lifestyle changes.

Preparing for Your Follow-Up Visit

Before your follow-up, gather any new information about your health. This might include symptoms, medication side effects, or test results. Write down questions or concerns so you don’t forget to mention them. Make sure your device is charged and you have a quiet place for your tele-visit.

What to Expect During Follow-Up Care

During follow-up visits, your provider will ask about how you’re feeling and any changes since your last visit. They may adjust your treatment plan or suggest further tests. Follow-ups are a chance to discuss your progress and get support for managing your health.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While many follow-ups can be done through telemedicine, some situations need in-person visits. Your provider will guide you if you need physical exams, urgent tests, or emergency care. Always seek immediate help if you experience serious symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note any new or worsening symptoms since your last visit.
• List all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to a reliable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, private place for your telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s instructions regarding medications and lifestyle changes.
• Schedule any recommended tests or in-person visits if advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Contact your provider if you experience new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep track of your follow-up appointments and attend them as scheduled.

FAQs

How soon after my initial visit should I expect a follow-up?

The timing of follow-up visits varies depending on your condition. Your provider will usually suggest when to check back in, which could be within days, weeks, or months.

Can I contact my provider between scheduled follow-ups?

Yes, HLTHi often allows messaging or calls between visits for questions or concerns. This helps you get support when you need it.

What if I feel worse before my scheduled follow-up?

If your symptoms worsen or you experience red-flag signs like chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting for your follow-up.

Are follow-up visits always done by video?

Follow-ups can be done by video, phone, or secure messaging depending on your provider’s practice and your needs.

Will I need tests during follow-up care?

Sometimes your provider may recommend lab tests or imaging to monitor your condition. These might require an in-person visit to a local facility.

Sources

1. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Follow-Up Care After Surgery or Hospital Stay — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Patient Care and Health Information — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: Opportunities and Developments in Member States — World Health Organization (WHO).

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.