Can I use DrHouse for emergency medical conditions?
No. DrHouse is designed for non-emergency medical care and should not be used for life-threatening or emergency medical conditions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Quick Answer:
- DrHouse is for non-emergency medical conditions
- Emergency symptoms require immediate in-person care
- Call 911 or visit an emergency room for life-threatening conditions
- Physicians may recommend in-person care if a condition cannot be safely evaluated through telehealth
- Some conditions require physical exams, imaging, or specialized testing that cannot be performed virtually
What Counts as an Emergency?
Examples of symptoms that require emergency medical attention include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Signs of a stroke
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe head injury
These conditions require immediate evaluation and treatment that cannot be provided through a virtual visit.
When DrHouse May Not Be Appropriate
Even if a condition is not an emergency, some medical concerns still require in-person evaluation. During a virtual visit, a physician may determine that additional testing, imaging, a physical examination, or specialist care is needed and recommend that you seek treatment at a clinic, urgent care center, or hospital.
What DrHouse Is Best For
DrHouse is intended for many common non-emergency healthcare needs, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sinus infections
- Allergies
- Skin conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Prescription refills
- Chronic condition management
- Lab test referrals and follow-up care
Physicians evaluate each patient individually and determine the most appropriate course of care.
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
