No — telemedicine is generally NOT appropriate for severe abdominal pain, because the cause can be serious and often requires an in-person exam, labs, and possibly imaging.
You should seek urgent care or emergency evaluation immediately — or call 911 — if abdominal pain is:
🚨 Concerning or urgent when there is
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Sudden, severe, or worsening pain
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Pain with fever, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
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Bloody or black stools, or vomiting blood
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Rigid or swollen abdomen
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Pain after injury or during pregnancy
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Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
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Fainting, dizziness, or confusion
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Inability to pass gas or stool with increasing pain
Telemedicine cannot perform a hands-on abdominal exam, blood tests, ultrasound/CT, or urgent treatment — waiting for a virtual visit could delay critical care.
