When should you use telemedicine vs. in-person care?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on June 23rd, 2025.

Telemedicine, also known as virtual health visits, has become increasingly popular in the last few years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. While it's convenient to see a healthcare provider from home, virtual doctor visits aren’t always the best choice for every situation. 

Here's how to determine when a virtual visit makes sense and when seeing a provider in person is the better option for your health concern.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a medical visit using a computer or phone instead of visiting the provider’s office. This allows patients to consult with providers from anywhere using a secure video, phone, or online messaging platform. It’s ideal for non-emergency concerns or conditions that don’t require a physical exam.

The benefits of telemedicine

There are many benefits of telemedicine for both patients and providers. A few of these include: 

• Accessibility: Helps people in rural or underserved areas get care.
• Convenience: No travel or waiting rooms, you just log in from home.
• Continuity: Follow-ups and chronic care management can be more consistent.
• Reduced exposure: Limits the risk of spreading or catching infections from other patients in medical facilities..
• Time-saving: Visits are often shorter and easier to schedule.

When to use telemedicine

If you have never used a virtual appointment before, when is it appropriate to use telemedicine? Telemedicine is a great option for:

• Follow-up appointments after procedures or for chronic conditions.
• Medication refills or reviewing lab results
• Mental health check-ins or therapy sessions
• Mild illnesses like colds, flu symptoms, sore throats, or sinus infections
• Mild skin issues, including rashes or minor allergic reactions

While these are all appropriate uses for telemedicine, depending on the findings during the visit, you may still need to come in to see the provider if they need to evaluate you in person.

When in-person care is a better choice

There are times when an in-person visit is necessary and a virtual appointment won’t provide the information needed to make the right diagnosis or provide the correct care. Choose in-person care when:

• A lab test or vaccination is required
• The visit is for a child under 12 months, unless your pediatrician advises otherwise
• You have serious symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke
• You need a physical exam or imaging, like X-rays
• You have a deep cut, broken bone, or severe burn

When in doubt, it’s always safer to go see your provider in person or call ahead to ask for guidance.

Telemedicine urgent care at GoHealth Urgent Care

All of our facilities offer Virtual Visits with our knowledgeable providers. These visits are often available the same day, so you can get your questions and concerns addressed right away. To schedule a telemedicine urgent care appointment, visit our Virtual Visits page. 

How to decide: telemedicine vs. in-person care

If you are unsure which to choose, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need a physical exam, lab test, or X-ray?
• Have I had this issue before, and do I know what’s going on?
• Is this an emergency? 
• Would I prefer the comfort of home?

If you believe you are having an emergency medical issue, it's best to seek immediate attention at an urgent care center or the emergency room, rather than scheduling a virtual appointment.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about telemedicine vs. in-person care. 

What is telemedicine, and how does it work?

Telemedicine allows you to speak with a healthcare provider remotely via video or phone. You describe your symptoms, and the provider offers a diagnosis or next steps based on your conversation.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Telemedicine is convenient, accessible, time-saving, and can reduce exposure to illness. It’s also great for ongoing care, follow-ups and mental health check-ins.

When should I use telemedicine instead of going in person?

You can use telemedicine for mild symptoms, mental health support, prescription refills, or when you need care but can’t easily get to a healthcare facility.

What health issues can be treated through telemedicine?

Common colds, rashes, UTIs, pink eye, allergies, anxiety and follow-up care may all be treated via telehealth.

Does GoHealth Urgent Care offer telemedicine urgent care visits?

Yes, we offer same-day telemedicine visits for a wide range of health concerns.