Tele-triage for Groin Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Groin pain in children can arise from many causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious medical conditions. Tele-triage uses telemedicine to help assess symptoms remotely and guide families on the best next steps. It can be a helpful first step to determine if urgent in-person care is needed or if home care and monitoring are appropriate. Tele-triage often involves discussing the child's symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries or activities. While telemedicine can address many concerns, some situations require prompt physical examination or emergency care. Understanding warning signs and preparing for a tele-visit can improve the quality of care and safety for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe groin or scrotal pain requiring emergency evaluation.
• Swelling, redness, or a noticeable lump in the groin or scrotum area.
• Fever accompanied by groin pain, inability to walk, vomiting, or altered mental status.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking for groin pain.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining urgency and advising on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation or imaging.
• Emergency situations such as suspected testicular torsion or incarcerated hernia.
• Procedures, diagnostic tests, or treatments needing hands-on care.

Common Causes of Groin Pain in Children

Groin pain in children can be caused by various issues including muscle strains, sports injuries, infections, or growth-related conditions. Sometimes, pain may come from problems in nearby areas like the abdomen or hips. Less commonly, serious conditions such as testicular torsion or hernias may be involved. Knowing the possible causes helps guide when to seek medical advice.

When Tele-triage Can Help

Tele-triage allows healthcare providers to evaluate your child's symptoms through video or phone calls. They can ask about the pain's location, duration, severity, and any other symptoms like fever or swelling. This remote assessment can often determine if home care is safe or if the child needs to be seen in person quickly.

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Care

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If your child has sudden, severe groin pain, swelling, redness, or a lump in the groin or scrotum area, seek emergency care. Also, if the child is vomiting, has a fever, cannot walk, or shows signs of distress or confusion, these are red flags needing prompt evaluation.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the tele-visit, gather information such as when the pain started, any recent injuries, and other symptoms. Have a quiet, well-lit space for the call. Be ready to show the affected area if appropriate and comfortable for your child. Having a list of medications and your child’s medical history can help the provider make a better assessment.

What to Expect After Tele-triage

Based on the tele-triage, the provider may recommend home care instructions, schedule an in-person visit, or direct you to emergency services. Follow the advice carefully and monitor your child’s symptoms. If new or worsening signs appear, seek immediate medical attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time when the groin pain began and any changes in severity.
• List any recent injuries, physical activities, or illnesses.
• Prepare to describe all symptoms including fever, vomiting, or difficulty walking.
• Have your child's medical history and medication list ready.
• Find a private, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red-flag symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms or concerns to report later.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for groin pain?

Seek emergency care if your child has sudden, severe pain, swelling or redness in the groin or scrotum, fever with pain, vomiting, inability to walk, or shows confusion or distress.

What can I do at home to help my child’s groin pain?

Rest, avoid strenuous activity, apply ice to the painful area, and give age-appropriate pain relievers as advised by a healthcare provider. Always follow specific instructions from your telemedicine visit.

Is it safe to show the groin area during a telemedicine visit?

Only if you and your child are comfortable and the provider requests it for assessment. Privacy and consent are important; you can decline if uncomfortable and discuss alternative ways to describe symptoms.

How long will a tele-triage appointment for groin pain take?

Typically, tele-triage visits last 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions.

Sources

1. Groin Pain in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Evaluation of Groin Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Testicular Torsion — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.
5. Telehealth for Pediatric Care — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention.