When should I NOT use DrHouse for my child?
You should not use DrHouse for your child when the condition is serious, requires in-person evaluation, or involves emergency symptoms. DrHouse is designed for non-emergency care that can be safely handled through a video visit, and some pediatric situations need immediate or hands-on medical attention.
Quick Answer:
- Do NOT use for emergencies (call 911 or go to ER)
- Avoid for severe or life-threatening symptoms
- Not suitable when a physical exam or imaging is required
- Some diagnoses need lab tests or in-person care
- Physicians may redirect you to urgent care or hospital
Emergency Situations (Do Not Use Telehealth)
You should seek immediate emergency care if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Signs of stroke (confusion, weakness, trouble speaking)
- Severe bleeding or injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe head trauma
DrHouse does not provide emergency services. In these cases, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Conditions That Require In-Person Evaluation
Some pediatric conditions cannot be safely diagnosed or treated through a video visit. These may include:
- Injuries that may require X-rays or imaging (e.g., possible fractures)
- Severe ear pain that needs physical examination
- Abdominal pain requiring hands-on evaluation
- Conditions needing diagnostic procedures or immediate testing
Telehealth relies on visual assessment and reported symptoms, which may not be enough in these situations.
When Diagnosis Cannot Be Confirmed Virtually
In some cases, your child’s symptoms may require:
- Lab testing (e.g., blood tests, cultures)
- Physical examination tools (e.g., stethoscope, otoscope)
- Ongoing monitoring in a clinical setting
If this happens, the physician may recommend an in-person visit, urgent care, or a specialist.
What to Expect Instead
If your child’s condition isn’t appropriate for telehealth:
- The physician will guide you to the right level of care
- You may be referred to urgent care, a pediatrician, or a hospital
- Follow-up care can still be coordinated after in-person treatment
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.
