No — telemedicine is NOT appropriate for severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, or trouble breathing.
These are medical emergencies that need immediate, in-person evaluation in an emergency department or by EMS.
If you or someone near you is experiencing any of the following, call 911 (or your local emergency number) now:
🚨 Go to the ER / Call EMS immediately for
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Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or pain spreading to arm, jaw, back, or shoulder
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Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
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New confusion, fainting, or weakness
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Stroke symptoms:
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face drooping
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arm weakness
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speech difficulty
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sudden vision loss
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sudden severe headache
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Fast or irregular heartbeat with symptoms
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Blue/gray lips or fingertips
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Severe dizziness or passing out
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Coughing up blood
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Severe wheezing or asthma distress
Telemedicine providers cannot examine you, perform an ECG, oxygen testing, labs, or emergency treatment — waiting for a virtual visit could be dangerous.
