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

Audience: pediatric

Cuts and lacerations are common injuries in children that can often be assessed through telemedicine. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will evaluate the injury by asking questions and viewing the wound through video or photos. This helps decide if the cut needs stitches, special treatment, or if it can be safely cared for at home. Telemedicine can provide quick advice and reduce the need for travel, but some wounds require in-person care. Preparing for your telemedicine visit by cleaning the wound gently and having supplies ready can improve the assessment. It is important to recognize signs that need urgent medical attention, such as heavy bleeding or deep wounds. This guide helps families understand how to prepare for a telemedicine visit about a child's cut or laceration and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Cut that exposes muscle, bone, or fat tissue — go to an emergency department or urgent care.
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of minor cuts and shallow lacerations with minimal bleeding.
• Guidance on wound cleaning, dressing, and home care.
• Follow-up questions about healing progress and concerns.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Deep cuts that may require stitches or surgical repair.
• Severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
• Cuts exposing muscle, bone, or other deep tissues.
• Signs of wound infection needing antibiotics or further treatment.
• Injuries caused by animal bites or dirty/rusty objects needing tetanus shots or special care.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about how the injury happened, the size and depth of the cut, and any bleeding or pain. You may be asked to show the wound clearly using your device's camera or send photos. The provider will guide you on cleaning the wound and may help decide if stitches or other treatments are needed.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can often assess minor cuts that are small, not very deep, and have controlled bleeding. It can help with advice on cleaning, dressing, and monitoring the wound at home. Telemedicine is also useful for follow-up care and answering questions about healing.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the cut is very deep, bleeding heavily or continuously, exposing muscle or bone, or caused by a dirty or rusty object, in-person care is usually needed. Also, if the child shows signs of infection, such as redness spreading, swelling, warmth, or fever, see a healthcare provider in person.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, gently rinse the wound with clean water to remove dirt. Avoid applying creams or ointments unless instructed. Have clean cloths or sterile gauze ready to control bleeding. Prepare to describe the injury clearly and have your device charged and connected to a stable internet.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care instructions given by your provider carefully. Keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings as advised, and watch for signs of infection. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, seek in-person medical care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gently rinse the wound with clean water to remove dirt.
• Avoid applying ointments or creams unless advised.
• Have clean cloths or sterile gauze ready to control bleeding.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to stable internet.
• Prepare to describe how the injury happened and the wound’s size and depth.
• Find a well-lit area to show the wound clearly during the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for cleaning and dressing the wound.
• Change dressings as recommended to keep the wound clean and dry.
• Monitor the wound daily for signs of infection or worsening.
• Keep the child’s tetanus vaccinations up to date as advised.
• Seek in-person care if bleeding restarts or signs of infection develop.

FAQs

Can all cuts be treated through telemedicine?

Not all cuts can be safely treated through telemedicine. Minor cuts with minimal bleeding can often be assessed remotely, but deep or heavily bleeding wounds usually require in-person care.

How can I best show the wound during a video visit?

Use a well-lit area and hold the camera steady to clearly show the entire wound. You may also take close-up photos beforehand to share if video quality is poor.

What should I do if my child is bleeding heavily before the visit?

Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding does not stop or is severe, seek emergency medical care immediately.

When should I seek emergency care instead of telemedicine?

Seek emergency care if the cut is deep, bleeding heavily, exposing muscle or bone, caused by an animal bite, or if your child shows signs of infection or severe pain.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe antibiotics or pain relief?

Telemedicine providers may recommend or prescribe medications when appropriate, but some prescriptions or treatments may require an in-person visit depending on the situation.

Sources

1. Cuts and Scrapes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Lacerations (Cuts) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s injury is severe, worsening, or if you have any concerns, seek immediate medical attention.