How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Blood in Urine (Hematuria) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Blood in a child's urine, known as hematuria, can be concerning for parents and caregivers. It may appear as pink, red, or brown urine and can result from many causes, some mild and others more serious. A telemedicine visit can help assess symptoms, gather medical history, and guide next steps. During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about the child's symptoms, recent illnesses, injuries, and family history. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and advice but may not replace the need for in-person tests or treatment. Preparing for the visit by noting observations and symptoms can help make the consultation more effective. If urgent signs like severe pain, fever, or inability to urinate occur, immediate in-person care is important.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe abdominal or back pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child has a high fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with blood in urine — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Child cannot urinate or has sudden swelling — go to the nearest emergency department.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of blood in urine symptoms.
• Gathering medical history and symptom details.
• Providing advice on when to seek in-person care.
• Answering questions about the condition and next steps.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or urine tests.
• Diagnosing the exact cause of hematuria.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe symptoms.
• Ordering immediate laboratory or imaging studies during the visit.

What is Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?

Hematuria means there is blood in the urine. In children, urine may look pink, red, or brown. Sometimes blood is only seen under a microscope. Causes can include infections, injuries, kidney problems, or other health issues. Not all causes are serious, but some need prompt attention.

When to Use Telemedicine for Hematuria

Telemedicine can help you talk to a healthcare provider quickly about your child's symptoms. It is useful to describe what you see, answer questions about symptoms, and get advice on what to do next. Telemedicine can guide whether your child needs tests or in-person care.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as pain, fever, or changes in urination. They may ask about recent infections, injuries, or family history of kidney problems. You may be asked to show the urine color or any other signs via video. Based on this, the provider will suggest next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has severe belly or back pain, high fever, cannot urinate, or shows signs of weakness or confusion, seek emergency care right away. These signs may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, observe and note the color of the urine, any pain or other symptoms, recent illnesses, injuries, or medications. Have a list of questions ready. Ensure you have a quiet place with good internet or phone connection for the visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Observe and note the color and amount of blood in urine.
• Write down any symptoms like pain, fever, or changes in urination.
• List recent illnesses, injuries, or medications your child has taken.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a good internet or phone connection.
• Have your child’s medical history and any previous test results ready.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations for tests or in-person visits.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and note any changes.
• Keep all follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of urine changes and symptoms for future visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of blood in my child's urine?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you, but it usually cannot diagnose the exact cause without physical exams and tests. Your provider may recommend in-person evaluation for diagnosis.

What should I do if my child has blood in urine but feels fine?

Even if your child feels well, blood in urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A telemedicine visit can help determine if further testing or care is needed.

Is blood in urine always a sign of a serious problem?

Not always. Blood in urine can be caused by minor issues like a urinary tract infection or injury. However, it can sometimes signal more serious conditions, so evaluation is important.

Can I show the urine color during a video visit?

Yes, showing the urine color during a video visit can help the provider assess the situation better. Make sure the lighting is good and the sample is in a clear container.

When should I go to the emergency room for blood in urine?

If your child has severe pain, high fever, cannot urinate, or shows signs of weakness or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Hematuria in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hematuria: Causes and Symptoms — Mayo Clinic.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Evaluation of Hematuria in Children — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If your child has concerning symptoms, seek in-person evaluation promptly. Telemedicine may not be able to diagnose or treat all conditions.