Tele-triage for Pelvic Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Pelvic pain in children can be caused by many different conditions, some of which need urgent medical attention. Tele-triage is a way to use video or phone visits to help decide if a child with pelvic pain needs to see a healthcare provider in person right away or if it can be managed safely at home for now. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the child's symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns. This helps guide the next steps in care. Telemedicine can be a convenient first step for families to get advice quickly, but it cannot replace a full physical exam or tests that may be needed. If there are warning signs or the pain worsens, in-person care is important. This guide explains when tele-triage is suitable, what to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to watch for after the visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pelvic pain that limits movement — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with pelvic pain — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Blood in urine or stool, or persistent vomiting with pelvic pain — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining urgency and need for in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing conditions that require lab or imaging confirmation.
• Treating emergencies or severe symptoms requiring immediate intervention.

What Causes Pelvic Pain in Children?

Pelvic pain in children can come from many causes, including infections, injury, constipation, or problems with the urinary or reproductive organs. Sometimes, pain may be from muscle strain or other less serious issues. Knowing the cause helps decide the best care.

How Tele-triage Can Help

Tele-triage uses video or phone calls to assess symptoms quickly. A healthcare provider can ask questions about the pain, its location, duration, and other symptoms like fever or vomiting. This helps decide if urgent in-person care is needed or if home care and monitoring are safe.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean a child needs urgent medical attention. These include severe pain that does not improve, high fever, vomiting, blood in urine or stool, swelling or redness in the pelvic area, or sudden inability to walk. In these cases, tele-triage is not enough, and emergency care should be sought.

Preparing for a Tele-visit

Before the tele-visit, gather information about the child’s symptoms, including when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any other health issues. Have a list of current medications and any recent injuries ready. Ensure a quiet space with good lighting for the video call.

After the Tele-visit: What to Do Next

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include home care instructions, medications, or scheduling an in-person visit. Monitor the child’s symptoms closely and seek immediate care if any warning signs develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the tele-visit.
• Have the child’s symptom details ready: onset, location, severity, and associated symptoms.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Ensure a stable internet or phone connection.
• Have a caregiver present to assist the child during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any home care instructions given by the provider.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended.
• Monitor the child’s symptoms closely for any worsening or new red flags.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of symptoms and treatments for follow-up visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of pelvic pain in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide next steps, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose the exact cause. In-person evaluation may be necessary.

What should I do if my child’s pelvic pain gets worse after a tele-visit?

If pain worsens or any red flags like high fever, vomiting, or blood appear, seek in-person medical care immediately, even if you had a recent tele-visit.

Is tele-triage safe for young children with pelvic pain?

Yes, tele-triage can be a safe first step to assess symptoms and decide if urgent care is needed. However, it is important to follow advice carefully and seek in-person care when indicated.

How can I prepare my child for a telemedicine visit?

Prepare by gathering symptom details, ensuring a quiet space with good lighting, and having a caregiver present to help the child communicate during the visit.

Sources

1. Pelvic Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pelvic Pain: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.