When to Go In Person or the ER (Red Flags)

Audience: all

Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get medical advice without leaving home. However, some symptoms and situations require immediate in-person evaluation or emergency care. This guide helps you recognize warning signs, called red flags, that mean you should seek urgent or emergency medical attention. Knowing when to go to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room can protect your health and safety. Telemedicine can support many health concerns but is not suitable for all emergencies. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, or uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency care immediately. For less urgent issues, telemedicine may help you decide the next steps. Always trust your instincts and when in doubt, get evaluated in person.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure spreading to arm, neck, or jaw — call emergency services immediately.
• Sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or loss of balance — seek emergency care right away.
• Severe difficulty breathing or choking sensation — get emergency help without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment for non-emergency conditions
• Follow-up care for chronic illnesses
• Medication management and prescription refills
• Health education and advice

What telemedicine cannot do

• Life-threatening emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
• Severe trauma or uncontrolled bleeding
• Conditions requiring immediate physical examination or procedures

Understanding Red Flags

Red flags are serious symptoms or signs that suggest a medical emergency or urgent condition. These require prompt in-person evaluation to prevent complications. Examples include severe chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, or loss of consciousness. Recognizing these signs early helps you get the care you need quickly.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

Go to the emergency room if you have any life-threatening symptoms such as:

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle critical and life-threatening conditions immediately.

When to Seek In-Person Care (Non-Emergency)

Some symptoms require timely in-person care but are not emergencies. These include:

Urgent care clinics or primary care offices can often manage these conditions.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for:

It helps reduce unnecessary visits and supports ongoing care but cannot replace emergency or urgent in-person evaluation.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms with start date and severity
• Gather your medication list and medical history
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection
• Have any home monitoring devices ready (thermometer, blood pressure cuff)
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider instructions carefully
• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Monitor symptoms and watch for red flags
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace emergency room visits?

No, telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency care. If you have severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen after a telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms get worse or new serious symptoms appear, seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine providers may advise you to go to a clinic or emergency room based on your condition.

How do I know if my condition is urgent enough for in-person care?

Urgent symptoms often include high fever, severe pain, dehydration, or signs of infection. If you are unsure, telemedicine providers can help assess your symptoms and recommend next steps.

Is telemedicine safe for managing chronic diseases?

Yes, telemedicine is often effective for managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension by providing regular monitoring and medication management.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus: When to Seek Emergency Care — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Emergency Signs and Symptoms — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. When to Seek Medical Care — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek immediate in-person care for emergencies or if you have serious symptoms. Telemedicine can support many health concerns but cannot replace emergency or urgent evaluations.