What can’t be treated by DrHouse?
DrHouse cannot treat medical emergencies, conditions requiring in-person care, or cases that fall outside telehealth safety and prescribing guidelines. The platform is designed only for non-emergency issues that can be evaluated through a virtual visit.
Quick Answer:
- Emergency or life-threatening conditions
- Conditions needing physical exams, imaging, or procedures
- Cases requiring immediate hospital or urgent care
- Requests for controlled substances or restricted medications
- Diagnoses that require hands-on evaluation
Emergency Conditions (Not Treated)
DrHouse is not appropriate for emergencies. You should seek immediate care (call 911 or go to the ER) for:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious injuries
These require in-person medical intervention and cannot be managed virtually.
Conditions Requiring In-Person Evaluation
Some health issues cannot be safely diagnosed or treated through telehealth. These include:
- Conditions needing a physical exam (e.g., abdominal emergencies, fractures)
- Cases requiring imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
- Situations needing procedures or hands-on treatment
In these cases, a physician may refer you to urgent care, a specialist, or a hospital.
Diagnostic Limitations of Telehealth
Virtual visits rely on symptoms and video evaluation only. This means:
- Some diagnoses may require lab tests or in-person assessments
- Physicians may not be able to confirm certain conditions remotely
- You may be referred for lab testing or follow-up care
Prescription Limitations
DrHouse physicians follow strict medical and regulatory guidelines:
- Controlled substances are not prescribed
- Some medications may not be prescribed via telehealth (depending on guidelines and physician judgment)
- Prescriptions are not guaranteed and depend on evaluation
When You May Be Redirected
Even if you start a visit, the physician may determine that:
- Your condition is not suitable for telehealth, or
- You need urgent or specialized in-person care
In these cases, you’ll be guided to the appropriate next step.
DrHouse is ideal for common, non-emergency conditions and wellness care, but not for serious, complex, or urgent medical situations that require hands-on treatment or immediate attention.
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.
