What medical conditions can’t DrHouse treat?
DrHouse cannot treat medical conditions that require emergency care, in-person procedures, or specialized services such as therapy or comprehensive mental health treatment.
Quick Answer:
- Not for emergencies (e.g., chest pain, stroke symptoms)
- Cannot treat conditions needing physical exams, imaging, or procedures
- Does not offer therapy, counseling, or psychiatry services
- Some conditions require in-person testing or specialist care
- Prescriptions depend on physician evaluation and are not guaranteed
Conditions That Cannot Be Treated
Emergency Medical Conditions
DrHouse is not intended for life-threatening situations.
Examples include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke (e.g., slurred speech, weakness on one side)
- Severe bleeding or trauma
- Loss of consciousness
These require immediate emergency care (ER or 911).
Conditions Requiring In-Person Care
Some medical issues cannot be safely evaluated over video and require hands-on care.
These may include:
- Injuries needing X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
- Conditions requiring stitches or procedures
- Severe or complex symptoms needing physical examination
In these cases, a physician may direct you to urgent care or a hospital.
Advanced Diagnostics and Testing
Certain conditions require confirmation through:
- Lab testing
- Imaging
- Specialized diagnostic procedures
While DrHouse can provide lab referrals, some diagnoses and treatments may need in-person follow-up depending on results.
Mental Health and Therapy Services
DrHouse does not provide:
- Therapy or counseling sessions
- Psychiatric care for complex mental health conditions
- Behavioral health programs
However, physicians may evaluate symptoms like anxiety or depression and prescribe or refill medications such as antidepressants when appropriate.
Medication and Treatment Limitations
- Controlled substances are not prescribed
- Some medications may be restricted due to telehealth regulations
- Prescriptions are not guaranteed and depend on the physician’s clinical judgment
What This Means for Patients
DrHouse is designed for non-emergency, telehealth-appropriate care. If your condition falls outside that scope, the physician will guide you to the appropriate in-person or specialized 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.
