When Telehealth Isn't Right: Knowing Your Limits

Good telehealth services know their limits. Some conditions need physical examination, some situations require urgent hands-on care, and some patients are better served by their regular GP. Knowing when telehealth isn't appropriate is just as important as knowing when it is.

Key Takeaways

• Telehealth isn't appropriate for emergencies or conditions requiring physical examination
• Some medications and assessments require in-person consultation
• Responsible telehealth services will tell you when to seek in-person care

Emergencies: Always Call 000

Telehealth is never appropriate for medical emergencies. If you're experiencing any of the following, call 000 immediately:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Heavy bleeding or serious injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm intentions

Conditions Requiring Physical Examination

• Ear infections (requires otoscope)
• Chest infections (requires stethoscope)
• Lumps or growths (requires palpation)
• Joint injuries (requires range-of-motion assessment)
• Abdominal pain with specific location (requires examination)
• Skin conditions that need close inspection

When Your Regular GP Is Better

Some situations benefit from continuity of care with a doctor who knows your history:

• Managing chronic conditions
• Complex medication regimens
• Mental health requiring ongoing therapy
• Conditions needing regular monitoring
• When you've been referred back by a telehealth doctor

Medications Telehealth Can't Prescribe

• Schedule 8 controlled drugs (opioids, ADHD medications, etc.)
• Medications requiring blood test monitoring
• Drugs with significant interaction risks in complex cases
• Medications requiring initial in-person assessment

How InstantMed Handles Limits

When your situation isn't right for telehealth, we'll tell you. Our doctors won't proceed with a consultation that should happen in person. We'll explain why and recommend you see your GP, visit an urgent care clinic, or in emergencies, call 000.

This isn't a failure of service — it's responsible medicine. The goal is your health, not just completing a transaction.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Symptoms that are severe, worsening, or unusual
• Conditions that haven't responded to initial treatment
• New symptoms in addition to your original complaint
• Any situation where you feel something is seriously wrong