When to Use Telemedicine vs the ER vs 911
Virtual ER handles many conditions via telemedicine — but some situations need in-person emergency care or 911. Use this guide to determine the right level of care. When in doubt, start a telemedicine visit and our clinician will tell you if you need to come in.
Care options
Start a Telemedicine Visit
Most conditionsUse telemedicine when your symptoms are manageable and you do not need hands-on examination, imaging, or labs.
- Cold, flu, cough, congestion
- Allergies and sinus issues
- Rashes, acne, eczema
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections
- Ear infections and pink eye
- Anxiety, depression, insomnia
- Medication refills
- Follow-up on a recent ER visit
Go to the ER
Needs hands-on careCome to our physical ER when your condition requires examination, imaging, labs, IV fluids, or procedures. We are open 24/7 at 5302 Bellaire Blvd.
- Broken bones or severe sprains
- Deep cuts needing stitches
- High fever unresponsive to medication
- Severe abdominal pain
- Conditions needing X-ray, CT, or labs
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Eye injuries
- Animal bites requiring treatment
Call 911
Life-threateningCall 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies. Do not wait for a telemedicine visit or drive to the ER yourself if you are in danger.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Signs of stroke (FAST)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts (also call 988)
Not Sure? Start with Telemedicine.
If you are unsure whether your condition needs in-person care, start a telemedicine visit. Our board-certified emergency physician or nurse practitioner will evaluate you via video and determine the right level of care — and because that physician is working from inside our emergency room at 5302 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire TX 77401, you are never being handed off to a stranger. If you need to come in, we don't send you away, we bring you in: you arrive already examined, already on the board, with your records there before you are. That is a different starting point than walking in cold.