Know When to Call 911
Some symptoms require emergency medical attention — not a virtual visit.
My Virtual Care NP is not an emergency medical service.
If you are experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms, do not wait for a virtual appointment. Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Time-Critical
Possible Stroke — Call 911
Stroke treatment is time-sensitive.
Be Fast — The Warning Signs
- BalanceSudden loss of balance or coordination
- EyesSudden vision loss or significant vision changes
- FaceFacial drooping or one side of the face appearing different
- ArmSudden arm or leg weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- SpeechSlurred speech, difficulty speaking, difficulty understanding speech, or suddenly saying words that do not make sense
- TimeCall 911 immediately
Additional possible stroke symptoms may include:
- Sudden severe dizziness
- Sudden difficulty walking
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Do not drive yourself. Call 911 and allow emergency medical professionals to evaluate and transport you.
Call 911
Other Symptoms That Need Emergency Care
Each of these needs emergency medical attention rather than a virtual visit.
Severe or Sudden Shortness of Breath — Call 911
Do not schedule a virtual visit for severe or sudden breathing difficulty.
Emergency warning signs include:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Sudden or rapidly worsening shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing at rest
- Inability to speak normally because of breathing difficulty
- Blue, gray, or unusually pale lips or skin
- Severe chest pressure or tightness with shortness of breath
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Confusion or inability to remain awake
When in doubt, seek emergency medical care.
Chest Pain — Call 911
Emergency warning signs include:
- New or unexplained chest pain
- Chest pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness
- Chest discomfort with shortness of breath
- Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw
- Chest discomfort associated with sweating, nausea, fainting, or severe weakness
Do not wait for a virtual appointment to evaluate potentially serious chest symptoms.
Active or Severe Bleeding — Call 911
Call 911 for situations including:
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Bleeding that will not stop with appropriate pressure
- Vomiting blood
- Coughing up significant amounts of blood
- Passing a significant amount of blood
- Bleeding associated with fainting, severe weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing
Other Emergencies — Call 911
Call 911 for:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Severe confusion or sudden change in mental status
- Inability to wake up
- Severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing from an allergic reaction
- Serious injury or major trauma
- Severe burns
- Suspected overdose or poisoning
- Any condition that appears immediately life-threatening
Diabetes Emergencies — Call 911
Diabetes can sometimes cause medical emergencies requiring immediate in-person treatment.
Call 911 for severe symptoms such as:
- Loss of consciousness associated with abnormal blood glucose
- Seizure associated with suspected severe hypoglycemia
- Severe confusion or inability to safely take carbohydrates or medication
- Severe weakness accompanied by altered mental status
- Difficulty breathing associated with severe hyperglycemia
- Persistent vomiting with severe hyperglycemia or significant dehydration
- Signs of a serious diabetic emergency
Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a virtual diabetes appointment.
What Virtual Care Can and Cannot Do
Virtual Care Has Limitations
Virtual care is highly effective for many healthcare needs, but it cannot replace every form of in-person evaluation.
When these services are necessary, the provider may direct the patient to an appropriate in-person healthcare setting.
Your safety comes first. If your provider determines that your condition cannot be safely evaluated or treated virtually, your virtual visit may be stopped or redirected to an appropriate in-person level of care.
A patient may require:
- Hands-on physical examination
- Vital signs
- Laboratory testing
- Diagnostic imaging
- Wound evaluation
- Procedures
- Injections or IV treatment
- Immediate monitoring
- Emergency intervention
If You Remember One Thing
Quick Summary
- Stroke symptomsCall 911
- Severe shortness of breathCall 911
- Chest painCall 911
- Uncontrolled bleedingCall 911
- Loss of consciousness or seizureCall 911
When you are experiencing a potentially life-threatening emergency, do not wait for a telehealth appointment. Call 911.