When to seek in person care for falls

Dr. S. Langford December 24, 2025

When to seek in person care for falls

Introduction

Telehealth, also called virtual care, lets Canadians connect with healthcare providers using phones, computers, or other devices. This way, people can get medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment without visiting a clinic or hospital in person. Telehealth is especially helpful for those living in remote areas or with limited mobility.

Understanding when to seek in person care for falls is important. While virtual care can address many health concerns, some situations need hands-on assessment and treatment. Knowing when to switch from telehealth to in-person care helps ensure safety and proper recovery.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Why telehealth matters

Offers quick access to healthcare professionals
Reduces travel time and costs
Supports ongoing management of chronic conditions
Helps prevent unnecessary visits to emergency rooms

By combining telehealth with clear guidelines on when to seek in person care, Canadians can get the right help at the right time. This balance improves health outcomes and makes healthcare more convenient for everyone.

What is telehealth in Canada?

Telehealth in Canada allows patients to access healthcare services remotely using technology. It includes virtual visits by phone, video calls, and secure messaging with healthcare providers. This approach helps people get timely care without travelling to a clinic or hospital.

Each province and territory may offer different telehealth options and rules. Some regions provide 24/7 access to nurses or doctors through dedicated phone lines. Others use online portals for booking virtual appointments or sending messages securely.

How telehealth works

Phone visits: Speak directly with a healthcare professional for advice or follow-up care.
Video visits: See and talk to your provider in real time, which helps with diagnosis and treatment.
Secure messaging: Send questions or updates and receive responses without a live call.

Telehealth can be a convenient first step for many health concerns. However, it is important to know when to seek in person care for falls or other emergencies. If you experience a fall with pain, loss of consciousness, or difficulty moving, visit an emergency department or call 911 immediately.

When telehealth is appropriate (and when it is not)

Telehealth offers a convenient way to address many health concerns without leaving home. It works well for minor illnesses, follow-up visits, medication questions, and mental health support. However, some situations require in-person care or emergency attention to ensure safety and proper treatment.

Good candidates for telehealth

Cold, flu, or mild infections
Skin rashes or minor injuries
Chronic condition check-ins
Medication management and prescription refills
Mental health counselling and therapy

When to seek in person care for falls

Falls can be serious. Telehealth is not suitable if you experience any of the following after a fall:

Loss of consciousness or confusion
Severe pain or inability to move a limb
Visible deformity or swelling
Head injury with vomiting or dizziness
Bleeding that won’t stop

In these cases, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately. For less severe falls without these red flags, a telehealth visit can help assess your condition and guide next steps.

How to access telehealth services

Canadians have several options to access telehealth services. These options vary by province and individual health plans. It is important to check local resources and plan-specific details before choosing a service.

Common ways to access telehealth

Family doctors: Many family physicians offer virtual appointments by phone or video. This is often the first step for non-urgent health concerns.
Provincial nurse lines: Most provinces provide free nurse advice lines. Nurses can assess symptoms and guide patients on next steps.
Walk-in virtual clinics: These clinics allow patients to see a healthcare provider without an appointment. They are useful for minor illnesses and quick consultations.
Employer benefits: Some employers include telehealth services as part of their health plans. Employees should review their benefits to see what is covered.
Private platforms: Several private companies offer telehealth services for a fee. These platforms often provide quick access to specialists and mental health support.

Patients should always consider when to seek in person care for falls or other urgent issues. Telehealth can help with many concerns, but some situations require immediate physical assessment.

What to expect from a telehealth appointment

Booking a telehealth appointment is simple. You usually start by scheduling online or calling your healthcare provider. Before the visit, you may need to give consent for virtual care, which ensures your privacy and safety.

On the day of your appointment, you will connect with your clinician using a secure video or phone platform. Make sure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable. The clinician will verify your identity and review your medical history.

What the clinician can do remotely

Discuss symptoms and health concerns
Provide advice and education
Review test results and medical records
Prescribe medications when appropriate
Recommend follow-up care or referrals

Limitations of telehealth

Some assessments require physical exams or tests that cannot be done remotely. Your clinician may ask you to visit a clinic or hospital if needed. This is especially important when to seek in person care for falls or other urgent issues.

After the appointment, documentation is securely stored in your medical record. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to your pharmacy. Your clinician will also arrange any necessary follow-up appointments or tests.

Benefits and limitations

Advantages of telehealth

Telehealth offers great convenience by allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers from home. This reduces the need for travel, which is especially helpful for those living in remote or rural areas. It saves time and can make healthcare more accessible for people with mobility challenges or busy schedules.

Easy access to care without leaving home
Reduced travel time and costs
Improved access for remote communities

Limitations to consider

Despite its benefits, telehealth has some limitations. A physical exam cannot be performed, which may affect diagnosis and treatment. Technology issues like poor internet connections can disrupt appointments. Privacy concerns also arise, as sensitive information is shared online.

No hands-on physical examination
Possible technical difficulties
Concerns about data privacy and security

Knowing when to seek in person care for falls is important. If you experience severe pain, inability to move, or signs of serious injury, an in-person visit is necessary. Telehealth can support follow-up care and minor concerns, but some situations require direct assessment.

Privacy, security, and safety

Protecting your privacy and confidentiality is a top priority in telehealth. Health providers use secure platforms designed to keep your information safe during virtual visits. These platforms often include encryption and strict access controls.

Common platforms may include video conferencing tools approved by healthcare organizations. They ensure that your personal health details remain confidential and are not shared without your consent.

How you can protect your information

Use a private, quiet space for your telehealth appointments to avoid interruptions or overhearing.
Access your virtual visit on a secure device with updated software and antivirus protection.
Do not share your login details or appointment links with others.
Be cautious about discussing sensitive information in public or noisy environments.

When to seek in person care for falls

If you experience a fall, telehealth can help assess minor injuries. However, you should seek in person care if you have severe pain, difficulty moving, head injury, or signs of serious illness. Prompt physical evaluation ensures your safety and proper treatment.

Tips to prepare for a telehealth visit

Preparing well can make your telehealth visit smoother and more effective. Start by gathering important information to share with your clinician.

Gather your health information

List your current symptoms clearly and note when they started.
Prepare a complete list of medications, including doses and frequency.
Have recent test results or medical records ready to share if needed.

Check your technology

Ensure your internet connection is stable and your device is fully charged or plugged in. Test your camera and microphone before the appointment to avoid delays.

Create a quiet, private space

Find a comfortable, well-lit area free from distractions. This helps you focus and communicate openly with your clinician.

Prepare questions to ask

Write down any concerns or questions you want to discuss. This helps you remember important points during the visit.

Remember, knowing when to seek in person care for falls is crucial. If you experience severe pain, difficulty moving, or signs of a serious injury, contact emergency services or visit a healthcare facility immediately.

FAQs

When should I seek in person care for falls?

If you experience a fall, seek in person care immediately if you have severe pain, cannot move, or notice swelling or deformity. Also, get urgent care if you feel dizzy, confused, or lose consciousness.

Can telehealth help after a minor fall?

Yes, telehealth providers can assess minor injuries, offer advice on pain management, and guide you on when to visit a clinic or emergency room.

Is telehealth available across all provinces in Canada?

Telehealth services are widely available, but access and coverage may vary by province. Check with your local health authority for specific details.

What should I prepare before a telehealth appointment?

Have your health history ready, including any medications and details about your fall. Ensure you have a quiet space and a device with a camera and microphone.

Can telehealth replace all in person visits?

Telehealth is great for many concerns but cannot replace physical exams or urgent care. Your provider will advise if an in person visit is necessary.

Summary

Telehealth offers a convenient way to access healthcare advice and support from home. It can help you manage many health concerns safely and quickly. However, knowing when to seek in person care for falls is important to ensure your safety and proper treatment.

If you experience a fall, consider telehealth for initial guidance if you feel stable and have no serious symptoms. Use telehealth to discuss your situation, get advice on next steps, and learn how to prevent future falls.

When to seek in person care for falls

If you have severe pain, especially in your head, neck, or back
If you cannot move or stand without help
If you notice swelling, bruising, or deformity in limbs
If you lose consciousness or feel confused
If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain

In these cases, go to an emergency department or call emergency services immediately. Telehealth is a helpful tool, but it should not replace urgent or emergency care when needed. Use telehealth wisely to support your health and safety.

Additional Resources

See also: [telehealth benefits in rural Canada]

See also: [managing chronic conditions with telehealth]

See also: [emergency response for falls]

See also: [privacy in virtual healthcare]

See also: [preparing for virtual medical appointments]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

When to seek in person care for falls

When to seek in person care for falls