How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Chest Pain - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Chest pain in children can be caused by many different reasons, most of which are not serious. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help healthcare providers understand your child's symptoms and decide the best care. During the visit, you will be asked about the pain’s location, intensity, duration, and any related symptoms like shortness of breath or fainting. Telemedicine is often suitable for initial evaluation and advice but may not replace in-person exams or tests if needed. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important for safety. This guide helps you prepare for the visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and recognize warning signs that require immediate attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
• Child faints or loses consciousness.
• Chest pain is severe, sudden, or worsening, especially with sweating or paleness.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on symptom management and monitoring.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Conducting diagnostic tests like ECG, X-rays, or blood tests.
• Managing life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

You will talk with a healthcare provider who will ask detailed questions about your child's chest pain. Be ready to describe when the pain started, how it feels, how long it lasts, and if anything makes it better or worse. The provider may also ask about other symptoms like cough, fever, or dizziness. You might be asked to show your child on camera to check breathing or skin color. The provider will decide if further tests or in-person care are needed.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Chest Pain

Telemedicine can help evaluate mild or new chest pain when there are no urgent symptoms. It is useful for getting advice on managing symptoms, understanding possible causes, and deciding if your child needs to see a doctor in person. It can save time and reduce exposure to illness in clinics.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your child has chest pain with signs like difficulty breathing, fainting, severe or worsening pain, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency care immediately. In-person visits may be needed for physical exams, heart tests, or imaging to find the cause of chest pain.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a list of your child's symptoms, any medications, and medical history ready. Keep a phone or device charged and nearby. If possible, have another adult present to help. Be ready to describe the chest pain clearly and answer questions honestly.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow any advice or prescriptions given by the provider. Schedule any recommended in-person tests or visits. Monitor your child’s symptoms and seek urgent care if warning signs appear. Keep notes of the visit for future reference.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare to describe the chest pain clearly: when it started, how it feels, and any other symptoms.
• Charge your device and have it nearby for the appointment.
• Have another adult present if possible to assist during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or follow-up visits.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit and any advice given.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's chest pain?

Telemedicine can help identify possible causes based on symptoms and history, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or tests that need to be done in person.

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

If the pain worsens or your child develops any red flag symptoms like difficulty breathing or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Is it safe to rely on telemedicine for chest pain in children?

Telemedicine is a useful tool for initial assessment and guidance, but it is not a substitute for emergency care or in-person exams when needed. Always follow your provider’s advice and seek urgent care if necessary.

Do I need special equipment for the telemedicine visit?

Usually, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone is enough. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet.

Can I share images or videos of my child’s symptoms during the visit?

Yes, sharing clear images or videos can help the healthcare provider better understand your child's condition during the telemedicine visit.

Sources

1. Chest Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
2. Chest Pain — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Chest Pain in Children: Evaluation and Diagnosis — National Library of Medicine.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Chest Pain — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency care immediately.