Written by: Dr Terry Matthews
Telemedicine has made getting medical care easier than ever. With a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can meet with a medical provider from home, work, or almost anywhere you have a private space and a reliable internet connection.
But while Telemed is a great option for many common illnesses and concerns, not every condition can — or should — be evaluated virtually.
So how do you know whether Telemed is right for you?
What Can Be Treated by Telemed?
Telemedicine works especially well for conditions that can largely be evaluated by talking with you, reviewing your symptoms, and visually assessing you through a video visit.
Some common conditions that may be appropriate for a Telemed visit include:
- Cold, cough, congestion, and other mild respiratory symptoms
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Sore throat
- Pink eye
- Rashes and certain minor skin concerns
- Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Medication or prescription refill requests, when medically appropriate
- Work or school notes related to an illness evaluated during the visit
- Other minor illnesses that do not require hands-on examination, laboratory testing, imaging, or procedures
During your visit, the provider will review your symptoms and determine whether your condition can safely be managed virtually. Sometimes a Telemed visit may reveal that an in-person examination or additional testing is needed. If that happens, the provider will explain the recommended next step.
What Should Not Be Treated Through Telemed?
Some symptoms and conditions require a hands-on physical examination, testing, imaging, procedures, or immediate medical attention.
At Lansing Urgent Care, Telemed should not be used if you are seeking care for:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain or chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Ear pain
- Eye injury or trauma
- Fever over 101.5°F, unless the patient is age 10 or older
- Facial drooping or weakness
- Injuries that may require X-rays
- Severe headaches
- STD testing or treatment
- Vaginal bleeding
- Workers’ compensation injuries or cases
Conditions such as suspected broken bones, significant injuries, serious breathing problems, chest pain, or symptoms requiring urgent laboratory testing or a detailed physical examination are also generally not appropriate for a virtual visit.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Why Choose Telemed?
For the right medical concern, Telemed can make getting care considerably easier.
Convenience
There is no drive to the clinic and no need to sit in a waiting room. A virtual visit can often be worked more easily into your workday, school schedule, or family responsibilities.
Accessibility
Telemedicine can be particularly helpful for people who live farther from a clinic, have limited mobility, lack reliable transportation, or simply find it difficult to leave home when they are sick.
Time and Cost Savings
A virtual visit can mean less time away from work, fewer transportation expenses, and less need to arrange childcare just to make a trip to the doctor.
Reduced Exposure to Illness
When you are sick, staying home can also help reduce exposure to other illnesses — both for you and for other patients. This can be especially beneficial for people who are medically vulnerable.
Is Telemedicine Right for You?
Before scheduling a Telemed visit, ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Do I have a stable internet connection?
- Do I have a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer?
- Is my condition non-emergent?
- Can my concern likely be evaluated through conversation and visual observation without an X-ray, lab test, procedure, or detailed hands-on examination?
- Do I have a quiet, private place where I can speak with the provider?
If the visit is for a child or other minor, the minor must be present during the Telemed appointment.
If you aren’t certain whether your condition is appropriate for Telemed, the important thing to remember is that virtual care has limits. Your provider may recommend that you come into one of our Lansing Urgent Care locations if an examination, testing, imaging, or treatment is needed that cannot safely be performed virtually.
Convenient Care — Wherever You Are
Telemed gives you another way to access Lansing Urgent Care when an in-person visit isn’t necessary. For many common illnesses and minor medical concerns, you can connect with a healthcare provider without leaving home.
The key is choosing the right type of care for your symptoms. When virtual care is appropriate, Telemed can provide a convenient, accessible, and efficient way to get the care you need.
When in doubt, reach out. Our team is always here to help you figure out the safest, most convenient path to feeling better
Frequently Asked Questions About Telemed
How do I register for a Telemed visit?
Click here to register for a Telemedicine visit at Lansing Urgent Care
Can I use Telemed for cold or flu symptoms?
Often, yes. Mild cough, congestion, sore throat, and other uncomplicated respiratory symptoms can frequently be evaluated through Telemed. However, symptoms such as significant difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms require in-person or emergency evaluation.
Can I get a prescription through a Telemed visit?
In many cases, a provider can prescribe medication when it is medically appropriate based on the diagnosis and virtual evaluation. Not every medication or condition can be treated remotely, and the provider will determine whether an in-person evaluation is needed.
Can I get a work or school note from a Telemed visit?
Yes, when appropriate, a provider may provide a work or school note for an illness evaluated during your Telemed appointment.
Can my child have a Telemed appointment?
Yes, certain conditions in children may be appropriate for Telemed. The child must be physically present during the appointment so the provider can see and evaluate them.
What happens if the provider decides I need to be seen in person?
Sometimes symptoms that initially seem appropriate for Telemed turn out to require a physical examination, laboratory testing, an X-ray, or another service that cannot be performed virtually. If that happens, your provider will recommend the appropriate next step, which may include being evaluated at a Lansing Urgent Care clinic. If you are referred to one of our clinics for further evaluation related to the same concern, you will not be billed for both the Telemed visit and the in-person visit.
Can Telemed be used for an emergency?
No. Telemedicine is not intended for medical emergencies. Symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, significant chest pain or tightness, facial drooping or weakness, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms should receive immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 when appropriate.
What if I lose connection during my Telemed visit?
Don’t worry. If your video or internet drops, your provider will attempt to reconnect with you via phone or a new video link
Do I need to download a special app to use Telemed?
No, you can connect easily right through your smartphone or computer browser using the secure link provided when you schedule.
How do I get more information about a Telemed visit?
Visit our website Telemed page for more information.
