How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Cut/Laceration - Triage

Audience: adult

Cuts or lacerations are breaks in the skin that can vary from minor scrapes to deeper wounds. Many minor cuts can be safely evaluated and managed through a telemedicine visit, where a healthcare provider can guide you on cleaning, dressing, and monitoring the wound. However, some wounds require in-person care for stitches, deep cleaning, or urgent treatment. Preparing for your telemedicine visit helps ensure the provider can assess your injury effectively. This includes having good lighting, clean dressings removed if possible, and being ready to describe how and when the injury happened. Telemedicine can help you decide if your cut needs urgent attention, how to care for it at home, and when to seek further care. Always watch for signs of infection or serious injury and seek emergency care if these occur.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Loss of sensation, inability to move the affected area, or severe pain — seek urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of minor cuts and superficial lacerations.
• Guidance on wound cleaning and dressing.
• Advice on signs of infection and wound care.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Deep cuts requiring stitches or surgical repair.
• Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
• Wounds with embedded objects or caused by animal bites.
• Severe pain, numbness, or loss of function in the injured area.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about how the cut happened, its size, depth, and any bleeding. They may ask you to show the wound using your device's camera. They will guide you on cleaning, dressing, and signs to watch for. They may also help decide if you need to see a healthcare professional in person for stitches or other treatment.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Cuts

Telemedicine works well for minor cuts that are small, not very deep, and not bleeding heavily. It can help you understand how to care for the wound, when to change dressings, and how to spot infection. It is also useful for follow-up questions after initial care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the cut is deep, very large, has heavy bleeding that won't stop, or is caused by a dirty or rusty object, you may need urgent in-person care. Also seek immediate care if you cannot move the affected area, if there is numbness, or if the wound shows signs of infection like redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, clean your hands and the area around the cut gently if possible. Remove any bandages carefully to show the wound clearly. Have a clean cloth or dressing ready if you need to stop bleeding. Ensure you are in a well-lit area and have a device with a camera and good internet connection. Be ready to describe how and when the injury happened and any symptoms you have.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care instructions given by your provider. Keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings as advised, and watch for signs of infection. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek in-person care promptly. Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting in the room to clearly show the wound.
• Have a clean cloth or bandage ready in case of bleeding.
• Remove any dressings carefully before the visit if possible.
• Have your device charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Be prepared to describe how and when the injury occurred.
• Wash your hands before handling the wound or showing it on camera.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the wound care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Keep the wound clean and dry as advised.
• Change dressings according to instructions or when soiled.
• Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new concerning signs develop.
• Attend any recommended follow-up appointments or telemedicine visits.

FAQs

Can I get stitches through a telemedicine visit?

No, stitches require an in-person visit. Telemedicine can help determine if stitches are needed and guide you on next steps.

How do I know if my cut is infected?

Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, pus or discharge, and fever. If you notice these, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What should I do if the bleeding won't stop?

Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding continues despite pressure, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Can I use home remedies to clean my cut?

You can gently clean minor cuts with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or disinfectants unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to delay in-person care if I am unsure about my cut?

If you are unsure, telemedicine can help assess your injury. However, do not delay urgent care if you have severe symptoms or red flags.

Sources

1. Wound Care — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Lacerations and Cuts — Mayo Clinic.
3. First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Management of Wounds and Lacerations — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment when needed. If you have a serious injury or emergency, seek immediate medical care.