How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Abdominal Pain

Audience: pediatric

If your child has abdominal pain, a telemedicine visit can be a helpful way to start understanding the cause and deciding on next steps. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask questions about the pain, your child's symptoms, and medical history. They may guide you on how to observe your child's condition and suggest home care or if in-person care is needed. Telemedicine is often suitable for mild to moderate abdominal pain without urgent warning signs. However, if your child has severe pain, high fever, vomiting, or signs of serious illness, it is important to seek emergency or in-person care promptly. Preparing for the visit by having information ready and a quiet space will help the provider give the best advice for your child's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours – seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) accompanying abdominal pain – contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down – seek prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate abdominal pain without urgent symptoms
• Follow-up questions about ongoing abdominal discomfort
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or sudden abdominal pain
• Signs of serious illness such as high fever, dehydration, or blood in vomit/stool
• Need for physical examination, imaging, or urgent interventions

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's abdominal pain, including when it started, where it hurts, and what makes it better or worse. They will also ask about other symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. You may be asked to show your child's abdomen on camera to look for swelling or tenderness. The provider will use this information to suggest possible causes and recommend care steps or if further tests or in-person visits are needed.

When to Use Telemedicine for Abdominal Pain

Telemedicine is often appropriate for abdominal pain that is mild to moderate, has lasted a short time, and is not accompanied by serious symptoms. It can help you get advice quickly without leaving home. It is useful for follow-up questions or managing ongoing mild symptoms. However, telemedicine is not suitable for severe or sudden pain, or if your child shows signs of serious illness.

Important Information to Have Ready

Before the visit, gather useful information such as:

Having this information ready will help the provider understand your child's situation better.

Tips for a Smooth Telemedicine Visit

To prepare for the visit:

These steps will help the visit go smoothly and efficiently.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your child has any of the following, seek in-person or emergency care immediately:

These signs may indicate a serious condition that needs urgent attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with reliable internet connection.
• Have a device ready with camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• Gather your child's medical history and details about the abdominal pain.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and any questions you want to ask.
• Have paper and pen ready to take notes during the visit.
• Ensure your child is nearby and comfortable for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for home care or medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Keep emergency contacts handy in case urgent care is needed.
• Update your child's medical records with information from the telemedicine visit.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose the cause of abdominal pain through telemedicine?

Telemedicine providers can often assess symptoms and suggest possible causes based on your description and visual examination. However, some conditions require physical exams or tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if my child’s abdominal pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's pain worsens, or new concerning symptoms appear, seek in-person medical care promptly or go to an emergency department.

Is it safe to give my child medicine during a telemedicine visit?

Healthcare providers may recommend over-the-counter medicines or prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. Always follow their instructions carefully.

How long does a telemedicine visit for abdominal pain usually take?

Most telemedicine visits last about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for abdominal pain?

No, telemedicine is a helpful tool for initial evaluation and follow-up but cannot replace all in-person care, especially for serious or unclear conditions.

Sources

1. Abdominal Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Abdominal Pain in Children: When to Seek Medical Care — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Abdominal Pain — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.