Telehealth vs. Urgent Care: When to Choose Each for Your Child?

Urgent care facility vs. virtual visit: what's the difference?

When to choose telehealth for your child?

• Mild illnesses: Such as coughs, colds, earaches, sore throats, or pink eye. These conditions often do not require an in-person physical exam and can often be effectively managed through a telehealth consultation.
• Skin concerns: Rashes, eczema, or minor allergic reactions can be effectively assessed and treated virtually, especially if you have a clear picture to share with the doctor.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): If your child exhibits lower UTI symptoms like frequent urination or burning, a telehealth visit can provide diagnosis and initiate treatment if necessary. However, upper UTI (or kidney) infections with fever, vomiting and blood in the urine, will require assessment in the Emergency Department.
• Follow-up appointments: If your child need a medication refill or a quick check-in after an initial diagnosis, telehealth is a convenient option for these non-urgent follow-up consultations.
• Behavioural health concerns: Telehealth offers a comfortable platform for discussing behavioural or mental health concerns with a qualified professional.
• Minor allergic reactions: Hives or mild allergic reactions that don't involve breathing difficulties can often be managed through a telehealth visit, especially if you have antihistamines on hand.
• Medication concerns: If you have questions about a new medication or potential side effects, telehealth allows you to connect with a healthcare provider to address these worries. 

What to expect in a telehealth appointment?

• Schedule your appointment: Many telehealth services offer online booking options, allowing you to schedule a visit at your convenience.
• Prepare for the call: Have your child's medical history, current symptoms, and medication list on hand.
• Connect with the provider: Log in to the secure platform at your scheduled appointment time. Be prepared to describe your child's symptoms in detail and answer any questions the healthcare provider may have.
• Diagnosis and treatment plan: Based on the information you provide and a virtual examination (if possible), the healthcare professional will diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan. This may include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, medical certificate online for school or home remedies.
• Follow-up: The healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up appointment, either virtually or in person, to monitor your child's progress. 

When to choose urgent care for your child?

• High fever: A fever in itself isn't necessarily an emergency, but a very high fever (especially in infants) or one accompanied by other concerning symptoms like a stiff neck or severe rash warrants a trip to urgent care.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea: While a simple stomach bug might improve on its own, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, especially in young children. Urgent care can provide fluids and medication to help your child recover faster.
• Ear infections: Severe earaches, especially accompanied by fever or drainage, can be very painful for children. Urgent care providers can diagnose ear infections and recommend appropriate treatment, including antibiotics if necessary.
• Minor injuries: Cuts that require stitches, sprains, or broken bones all require a physical examination and potentially X-rays, making urgent care the better option.
• Possible eye injuries: If your child has sustained an eye injury, such as a scratch or foreign object in the eye, urgent care is the safest choice for proper evaluation and treatment.
• Difficulty breathing: Any signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing or difficulty catching breath, require immediate medical attention. Head straight to the emergency room in these situations.
• Severe pain: While telehealth can address some pain concerns, urgent care is better equipped to handle situations involving severe pain, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
• Possible allergic reactions: If your child experiences a severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, call 000 immediately and proceed to the emergency room. Telehealth is not appropriate for these emergencies. 

What to expect in urgent care?

• Check-in: Upon arrival, you'll likely fill out some paperwork and explain your child's symptoms to a receptionist or triage nurse.
• Triage: A healthcare professional will assess the urgency of your child's condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Examination and diagnosis: The healthcare provider will examine your child and may order tests like X-rays or urinalysis to confirm a diagnosis.
• Treatment plan: Based on the diagnosis, the provider will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, stitches, or other interventions.
• Follow-up care: The provider may recommend a follow-up appointment with your child's paediatrician or additional treatment depending on the situation. 

The final takeaway