Telemedicine vs. In-Person Visits: How to Know Which One You Need

Telemedicine is convenient, but it isn’t the right tool for every situation. Here’s a general guide to help you decide which type of visit fits your concern.

Good Fits for Telemedicine

Cold and flu symptoms, medication refills, follow-ups on conditions already being managed, rashes and other visually assessable skin concerns, and general wellness check-ins are all things that typically work well over video.

When In-Person Is the Better Call

Anything requiring a hands-on physical exam, in-office labs or imaging, vaccinations, or a new symptom that’s hard to assess visually usually needs an in-person visit. If you’re unsure, that uncertainty itself is a good reason to come in.

When It’s Genuinely Urgent

Telemedicine is not appropriate for emergencies. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other potentially serious symptoms need in-person or emergency care, not a video visit.

When in Doubt, Start With Telemedicine

For non-emergency concerns, a telemedicine visit is often a reasonable first step — your provider can always direct you to come in for an in-person follow-up if the situation calls for it.