Fast, Reliable Telemedicine for Every Specialty

Telemedicine uses secure digital platforms to connect patients with doctors across specialties, offering fast, convenient care without travel. You can consult primary care physicians, dermatologists, mental health professionals, cardiologists and more from home. Telehealth improves access and supports chronic disease management through remote monitoring and virtual follow‑ups[1]. However, it cannot replace hands‑on exams or imaging, and emergencies—such as high fever with confusion, severe abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, chest pain or severe shortness of breath—require immediate in‑person evaluation[2][3][4][5][6]. Doctors365 connects you with licensed specialists for non‑urgent issues, while reminding you to keep up with routine in‑person screenings[7].

Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or having thoughts of self‑harm, call your local emergency number (e.g., 112 or 911) or go to the nearest emergency room. For emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential help 24/7

TL;DR

• Convenient access across specialties – Telemedicine lets you consult with doctors in primary care, dermatology, psychiatry, cardiology and other fields from the comfort of home, reducing travel and wait times[1].
• Comparable quality of care – Many conditions can be effectively managed through virtual visits and remote monitoring; telehealth improves access, supports chronic disease management and coordination of care[1].
• Know the limits – Telemedicine cannot perform hands‑on physical exams or imaging; severe or emergent symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath or uncontrollable bleeding require in‑person evaluation[1].
• Privacy and security – Providers use secure platforms, but telehealth may involve privacy risks and may not be fully covered by insurance[1].
• Doctors365 – Our platform offers fast, reliable consultations with specialists across fields; book online for non‑emergency issues and follow‑up care.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to the use of digital communication technologies—such as video calls, secure messaging and mobile apps—to deliver medical care when the patient and doctor are not in the same physical location. The terms telemedicine and telehealth are often used interchangeably; telehealth encompasses a wider range of services including health education, remote monitoring and administrative communications. According to Harvard Health Publishing, telehealth offers patients convenience and cost savings, improves access for people in remote areas or with limited mobility and allows providers to remotely monitor vital signs and share information across the care teamhealth.harvard.edu. However, telehealth cannot replace imaging tests or hands‑on examinations and may raise privacy and insurance considerationshealth.harvard.edu.

Telemedicine is used across many medical specialties. Virtual primary care visits can address minor illnesses, medication refills and chronic disease management. Teledermatology allows patients to upload images of skin lesions for assessment. Psychiatrists and psychologists offer secure video therapy. Cardiologists can review remote ECG recordings and adjust medications. Endocrinologists and diabetologists use continuous glucose monitoring data to optimize treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons can evaluate post‑operative progress through video. While each specialty has unique requirements, telemedicine aims to deliver safe, timely and patient‑centered care when appropriate.

Specialties and What Can Be Done Online

Specialty (examples)

Telemedicine applications

When in‑person care is needed

Primary care

Manage chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension), discuss medication adjustments, review test results, address minor infections, provide lifestyle counselling

Physical examinations for abdominal pain or lumps, vaccinations, routine screening tests (blood pressure checks require in‑office measurement)[7]

Dermatology

Evaluation of rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis; monitoring of chronic skin conditions; medication refills

Biopsy of suspicious lesions, treatment of severe infections or widespread rashes

Psychiatry & therapy

Assessment of depression, anxiety, PTSD; counselling and psychotherapy; medication management

Psychiatric emergencies, severe psychosis requiring immediate intervention

Cardiology

Review of blood pressure or heart rate readings; medication management; discussion of symptoms like palpitations or mild chest discomfort

New onset chest pain, heart attack symptoms, procedures like echocardiograms

Endocrinology

Review of glucose logs, adjust insulin or thyroid medications; discuss weight management

Physical exam for goitre, complications of diabetes requiring foot exams or eye checks

Neurology

Follow‑up for migraine, epilepsy or multiple sclerosis; review of seizure logs; medication adjustments

New neurological deficits (weakness, slurred speech), seizures requiring emergency care

Pediatrics

Follow‑up for mild respiratory infections, feeding questions, developmental concerns

Well‑child exams, vaccinations, high fever in infants (≥ 39.4 °C) or signs of meningitis[3]

Women’s health

Contraception counselling, medication refills, review of lab results

Pelvic exams, Pap smears, pregnancy complications

Benefits and Reliability

Telemedicine improves access to care, allowing patients to see specialists without traveling long distances or taking time off work. It reduces exposure to infections and supports continuity of care for people with chronic conditions. Harvard Health notes that telehealth enables remote monitoring of vital signs and can integrate information from wearable devices, making it easier for providers to adjust treatment plans[1]. Studies have found high patient satisfaction and comparable health outcomes for many telemedicine services, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health. However, evidence varies by specialty and condition, and telemedicine should complement rather than replace in‑person care.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, telemedicine has limitations. Physicians cannot perform comprehensive physical exams, listen to heart or lung sounds, or order immediate imaging during virtual visits. Some tests, vaccines and procedures must be done in a clinic. Telemedicine may not be appropriate for people without reliable internet access or for those who have difficulty using technology. Insurance coverage differs by region and insurer. Moreover, telehealth does not replace emergency care. Symptoms like high fever with severe headache, stiff neck or confusion[3], sudden or severe abdominal pain with vomiting, bleeding or jaundice[2], rapid weight loss accompanied by weakness or dizziness[4], fatigue with chest pain, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat[5], or severe shortness of breath or chest heaviness[6] should prompt immediate in‑person evaluation.

Signs and Red Flags

Telemedicine is best for non-urgent issues. It can be helpful for mild symptoms such as a low-grade fever, cough, cold, minor skin rash, acne, or when you need a routine medication refill or a review of lab results. It’s also suitable for follow-ups on stable conditions like blood pressure or glucose, questions about chronic disease management, or mental health check-ins such as anxiety or depression.

However, you should seek urgent or emergency care if you experience serious symptoms. These include a high fever (39.4 °C or higher) lasting more than three days, or accompanied by a stiff neck, seizures, or difficulty breathing; a rapidly spreading rash, swelling, or signs of infection; chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms of a heart attack; sudden confusion, fainting, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body; uncontrolled bleeding, severe trauma, or accidents. Immediate help is also required for suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or psychotic symptoms.

How Telemedicine Appointments Work

To prepare for a telemedicine visit:

1. Gather your health information – Write down your symptoms, current medications, allergies and recent measurements (blood pressure, glucose levels, etc.). Keep your medical history and any relevant imaging or lab results handy.
2. Test your technology – Ensure a stable internet connection, and test your device’s camera and microphone.
3. Choose a private, well‑lit space – This helps your doctor observe any visual symptoms and ensures confidentiality.
4. During the visit – Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review your health data and may request that you perform simple exams (e.g., checking your pulse). They can prescribe medications, order tests or refer you to specialists if needed.
5. Follow up – Schedule any recommended in‑person tests or specialist visits. Continue remote monitoring as advised.

Telemedicine Fit and Doctors365

Telemedicine is ideal for managing chronic diseases, mental health follow‑ups, skin problems, medication reviews and lifestyle counselling. Doctors365 offers consultations with specialists across many fields, including:

• Primary care/internal medicine – Dr Andreas Mussigbrodt MD and Dr Helena Class provide ongoing care for chronic conditions.
• Orthopaedics & spine health – Prof. Michael Akbar Dr. med. evaluates musculoskeletal concerns and helps manage post‑operative recovery.
• Psychiatry & counselling – Dr Chritos Tzivinikos offers confidential mental health consultations.
• Cardiology and vascular health – Specialists such as Dr Gary Hartstein MD review heart symptoms and recommend appropriate tests.
• Pediatrics and family medicine – Clinicians like Marija Cvetkovska and Marco Romeo advise parents on child health and development.

During an online consultation, our clinicians can review your symptoms, assess vital signs from home devices, interpret test results, adjust medications and provide referrals. For emergencies or conditions requiring hands‑on examination, they will advise you to seek in‑person care immediately.

Ready to experience the convenience of telemedicine? Book an online consultation or explore our Specialties to find the right doctor for your needs. You can also learn more about how telemedicine works and patient resources.

Evidence at a Glance

• Access & convenience: Telehealth improves access for remote or mobility‑limited patients, saves travel time and costs, and allows remote monitoring[1].
• Quality & satisfaction: Many patients report high satisfaction with telehealth; research shows comparable outcomes for chronic disease management in specialties like primary care and mental health[1].
• Limitations: Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or imaging and may have privacy or insurance limitations[1].
• Red flags: Seek urgent care for high fever with severe headache or confusion[3], severe abdominal pain with vomiting or bleeding[2], rapid weight loss[4], fatigue with chest pain or irregular heartbeat[5], or sudden severe shortness of breath[6].
• Preventive care: Routine screenings such as blood pressure checks still require in‑person visits; adults ≥ 40 years should have yearly blood pressure screenings, and adults 18–39 with normal blood pressure should be screened every 3–5 years[7].

What You Can Do Now

1. Assess your needs: Write down your symptoms and health questions; decide if they are non‑urgent and suitable for telemedicine.
2. Collect home data: Measure your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate or glucose if applicable and note any recent readings.
3. Check your tech: Ensure your smartphone, tablet or computer and internet connection are ready for a video call.
4. Schedule an appointment: Book an online consultation with a Doctors365 specialist who matches your needs.
5. Prepare for emergencies: Save local emergency numbers and the 988 Lifeline in your phone; know where your nearest urgent care or hospital is located.
6. Adopt healthy habits: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and manage stress to reduce your need for urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between telemedicine and telehealth?

Telemedicine refers specifically to the delivery of medical care through digital communication when the patient and doctor are apart. Telehealth is broader and includes other services like remote monitoring, health education and administrative communications. Both improve access and convenience, but telemedicine focuses on clinical care[1].

Which specialties use telemedicine?

Telemedicine is used in primary care, dermatology, psychiatry, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, pediatrics and women’s health. It can address minor infections, medication management, mental health counselling and follow‑ups for chronic diseases. Complex examinations, procedures and emergencies still require in‑person care[1].

How do I prepare for a telemedicine visit?

Prepare by gathering your medical history, symptoms and home readings; test your device and internet connection; and choose a quiet, private space. During the visit, your doctor will guide you through the appointment and may ask you to perform simple observations. They can prescribe medications, order tests or recommend in‑person visits as needed.

Is telemedicine secure?

Healthcare providers use encrypted platforms that comply with privacy regulations to protect your information. However, telehealth can involve some privacy risks if your device or network is not secure. Use a secure, password‑protected Wi‑Fi network and update your software. Ask your provider about their platform’s security features[1].

Will my insurance cover telemedicine?

Coverage varies by insurer and location. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, many insurers expanded telemedicine coverage, but some temporary policies are set to expire. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage and any co‑payments.

Can prescriptions be issued through telemedicine?

Yes. Doctors can prescribe medications during virtual visits when appropriate. They may not prescribe certain controlled substances without an in‑person evaluation. Your doctor will explain any limitations and can refer you for in‑person care if needed.

What if my doctor determines I need tests or a physical exam?

If your doctor decides that you need a physical examination, imaging or lab tests, they will refer you to an appropriate facility or schedule an in‑person appointment. Telemedicine serves as an entry point and can streamline the coordination of in‑person care when necessary[1][7].

When should I go to the emergency room instead of using telemedicine?

Go to the emergency room for severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fever with confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden paralysis, serious injuries or thoughts of self‑harm. Telemedicine is not suitable for life‑threatening situations[2][3][6].

References

1. Moore J. Telehealth: the advantages and disadvantages. Harvard Health Publishing. 2023. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/telehealth-the-advantages-and-disadvantages (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
2. Cleveland Clinic. Abdominal pain. 2022 Apr 18. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4167-abdominal-pain (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
3. Fowler A. Fever in adults: characteristics, types, and when it's serious. Healthline. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/fever-in-adults (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
4. Cleveland Clinic. Unexplained weight loss. 2023 Apr 13. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
5. Cleveland Clinic. Fatigue. 2023 Apr 13. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21206-fatigue (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
6. Cleveland Clinic. Dyspnea (shortness of breath). 2022 Nov 11. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16942-dyspnea (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
7. US Preventive Services Task Force. Hypertension in adults: screening. 2021 Apr 27. Available from: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening (accessed 2025‑09‑01).
   

Written by Diellza Rabushaj, Medical Writer & Researcher.