How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Chest Pain - Triage

Audience: adult

Chest pain can be a sign of many different health issues, some of which require urgent care. Preparing for a telemedicine visit about chest pain helps you share important details with your healthcare provider. This guide explains how to get ready for your virtual appointment, what information to have on hand, and when telemedicine may be appropriate. It also highlights warning signs that need immediate in-person evaluation. Telemedicine can be a useful way to discuss symptoms, get advice, and decide if further tests or emergency care are needed. However, some chest pain situations require urgent hospital care and cannot be safely managed online. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare will help you get the most from your telemedicine visit and keep you safe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain spreading to arm, neck, jaw, or back — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing — call emergency services.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness — get urgent medical attention right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild or unclear chest pain symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and next steps.
• Reviewing medical history related to chest pain.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing heart attacks or other life-threatening emergencies.
• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests like ECG or chest X-rays.
• Managing severe or worsening chest pain requiring immediate hospital care.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your chest pain, including when it started, its location, intensity, and any other symptoms like shortness of breath or sweating. They may also review your medical history and current medications. The provider will use this information to decide if you need urgent in-person care or if your symptoms can be managed remotely.

Information to Have Ready Before Your Visit

Prepare to share the following details:

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If you experience any of the following, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately:

How Telemedicine Can Help with Chest Pain

Telemedicine allows you to quickly connect with a healthcare provider to discuss your chest pain symptoms. Providers can help you understand possible causes, recommend initial steps, and decide if you need urgent tests or in-person evaluation. This can save time and reduce unnecessary travel, especially when symptoms are mild or unclear.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Chest Pain

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, heart monitoring, or imaging tests that are often needed to diagnose chest pain causes. If your symptoms suggest a heart attack, lung problem, or other serious condition, you will need urgent in-person care. Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency services in critical situations.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for your visit.
• Have a list of your current medications and any allergies ready.
• Note down details about your chest pain and any other symptoms.
• Prepare to share your medical history, including heart or lung conditions.
• Have a pen and paper or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom monitoring and medications.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or follow-up appointments.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and any changes to discuss in future visits.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my chest pain?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot perform physical exams or tests needed to diagnose many causes of chest pain. You may need in-person evaluation for a full diagnosis.

What should I do if my chest pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your chest pain worsens, especially with any red flag symptoms like spreading pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Is it safe to discuss chest pain over a video or phone call?

Yes, discussing chest pain via telemedicine is safe and can be very helpful for initial evaluation. However, it is important to be honest and thorough about your symptoms and to seek in-person care if advised.

What if I don’t have a stable internet connection for the telemedicine visit?

If video is not possible, many providers can do telephone visits. Ensure you are in a quiet place and have your information ready to share clearly.

Sources

1. Chest Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Chest Pain: Causes and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Chest Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Management — National Library of Medicine.
4. Chest Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe or worsening chest pain or any red flag symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.