Telehealth is convenient. No drive. No waiting room. See a doctor in 15 minutes.
But it's not magic. There are things telehealth handles well and things it can't do at all.
Here's what you need to know.
What Telehealth Treats Best
These conditions are perfect for telehealth. Doctors can diagnose and treat them through a video visit with no problem.
Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinus Infections)
Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild fever.
What the doctor can do:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Look at your throat through the camera
- Listen to you breathe (sort of, over the phone)
- Prescribe medication if needed (decongestants, cough suppressants, antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections)
You don't need an in-person visit for a cold or sinus infection. Telehealth works great.
UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)
Symptoms: Burning when you pee, frequent urination, urgency, pelvic discomfort.
What the doctor can do:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Confirm it's likely a UTI based on history
- Prescribe antibiotics
If you've had UTIs before and you recognize the symptoms, telehealth is perfect. You'll have antibiotics in your hands same day.
If it's your first UTI or symptoms are severe, you might need an in-person visit for a urine test.
Skin Conditions (Rashes, Eczema, Minor Infections)
Symptoms: Rash, itching, redness, dry skin, minor wounds.
What the doctor can do:
- Look at the rash through the camera
- Diagnose common conditions (eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal infections, poison ivy)
- Prescribe creams, ointments, or oral medication
Telehealth works great for most skin issues. If the rash is severe, spreading rapidly, or you have a fever, you need in-person care.
Allergies and Sinus Issues
Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip.
What the doctor can do:
- Ask about triggers and symptoms
- Recommend over-the-counter options
- Prescribe stronger allergy medication or nasal sprays if needed
Telehealth is perfect for seasonal allergies and sinus issues.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Symptoms: Red, itchy, watery eyes. Discharge (clear or yellow/green).
What the doctor can do:
- Look at your eyes through the camera
- Diagnose viral vs bacterial pink eye
- Prescribe antibiotic eye drops if bacterial
Most pink eye is viral and doesn't need antibiotics. But telehealth can tell you what you've got and what to do about it.
Minor Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Cuts)
Symptoms: Twisted ankle, pulled muscle, small cut, minor burn.
What the doctor can do:
- Look at the injury through the camera
- Assess severity
- Give treatment advice (RICE method, wound care, over-the-counter pain meds)
- Refer you to urgent care if it looks serious
If you're not sure if it's broken or needs stitches, telehealth can triage and tell you if you need in-person care.
Medication Refills and Follow-Ups
If you're already on medication for a chronic condition (blood pressure, thyroid, etc.) and you just need a refill, telehealth is perfect.
Same for follow-ups after a procedure or treatment. If you're checking in on progress and don't need a physical exam, telehealth saves you a trip.
Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, Counseling)
Telehealth works great for mental health visits. Therapists and psychiatrists can assess symptoms, provide counseling, and prescribe medication via video.
In some ways, telehealth is better for mental health. You're in your own space, which can feel more comfortable.
What Telehealth Can Treat (But With Limitations)
These conditions can sometimes be handled through telehealth, but there are limits.
Ear Infections
What the doctor needs:
- To look in your ear with an otoscope
What telehealth can do:
- Ask about symptoms (ear pain, drainage, hearing loss)
- Make an educated guess based on your description
- Prescribe antibiotics if symptoms strongly suggest bacterial infection
Some telehealth platforms have attachments that let you send photos of your ear canal. But most don't.
If you're an adult with a likely ear infection, telehealth can treat it. If it's a young child or symptoms are severe, you need in-person care.
Strep Throat
What the doctor needs:
- A strep test (throat swab)
What telehealth can do:
- Look at your throat through the camera
- Ask about symptoms (sore throat, fever, swollen glands, white patches on tonsils)
- Prescribe antibiotics if symptoms strongly suggest strep
Without a test, the doctor is guessing. If your symptoms are classic strep (high fever, white patches, swollen glands), they'll likely prescribe antibiotics.
If symptoms are mild or unclear, they might tell you to get tested in person.
High Blood Pressure or Diabetes Management
What the doctor needs:
- Your at-home readings (blood pressure, blood sugar)
What telehealth can do:
- Review your readings
- Adjust medication
- Order lab work if needed
If you have a blood pressure cuff or glucose monitor at home, telehealth works great for managing chronic conditions.
If you don't have equipment at home, you'll need in-person visits to get accurate readings.
What Telehealth Can't Treat
These conditions need in-person care. Don't use telehealth for these.
Anything Requiring Physical Examination
Telehealth doctors can't:
- Feel your abdomen (to check for appendicitis, hernias, or organ issues)
- Listen to your heart or lungs with a stethoscope
- Check your reflexes or do a neurological exam
- Palpate lumps or swollen areas
If your condition requires a hands-on exam, telehealth can't help.
Anything Requiring Diagnostic Tests
Telehealth doctors can't:
- Draw blood for lab work
- Take X-rays (to check for fractures)
- Run urine tests (for kidney issues or complicated UTIs)
- Do ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs
If you need tests, you need in-person care.
Severe or Worsening Symptoms
If you have:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever (103°F+) that won't come down
- Severe headache that came on suddenly
- Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
Go to urgent care or the ER. Don't use telehealth.
Injuries That Might Need Stitches or X-Rays
If you have:
- A deep cut that won't stop bleeding
- A wound with jagged edges
- A possible fracture or break
- A joint injury with severe swelling
Go to urgent care. Telehealth can't stitch you up or take X-rays.
Pediatric Emergencies
If your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever (especially under 3 months old)
- Severe dehydration (no wet diapers, no tears, lethargic)
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting
Go to urgent care or the ER. Don't use telehealth for emergencies.
How to Decide: Telehealth vs In-Person
Ask yourself these questions:
1. *Do I need a physical exam?* (If yes, go in person)
2. *Do I need tests (blood work, X-ray, urine test)?* (If yes, go in person)
3. *Are my symptoms severe or getting worse quickly?* (If yes, go in person or ER)
4. *Have I had this condition before and I know what it is?* (If yes, telehealth is fine)
5. *Am I just looking for advice or a prescription?* (If yes, telehealth works)
When in doubt, start with telehealth. The doctor will tell you if you need in-person care.
The Bottom Line
Telehealth is great for:
- Colds, flu, sinus infections
- UTIs (if you've had them before)
- Skin rashes and minor infections
- Allergies
- Pink eye
- Minor injuries (sprains, small cuts)
- Medication refills
- Mental health
Telehealth doesn't work for:
- Conditions needing a physical exam
- Conditions needing diagnostic tests
- Severe or worsening symptoms
- Injuries needing stitches or X-rays
- Pediatric emergencies
Use telehealth when it makes sense. Go in person when you need to. Don't force telehealth when it's not the right tool.
Bivvy Health offers low-cost telehealth for families and we'll tell you honestly if your condition needs in-person care. Worth checking out if you're looking for affordable, convenient care.