When to seek urgent care instead of telehealth
Do not wait for telehealth
Do not wait for telehealth if symptoms are severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or feel unsafe. Call 000 or go to an emergency department.
Call 000 now if
- Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reaction.
- Severe bleeding, fainting, collapse, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm risk, risk of harm to others, or mental health crisis.
- Severe pregnancy-related pain, bleeding, reduced movements, or another possible pregnancy emergency.
Do not use telehealth for
- Symptoms that need immediate examination, emergency monitoring, or urgent tests.
- Severe pain, severe infection symptoms, severe dehydration, confusion, or rapid deterioration.
- Possible stroke, heart attack, anaphylaxis, sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, or other emergency.
- Any situation where you feel unsafe waiting for online information.
Direct answer
Do not wait for telehealth if symptoms are severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, dangerous, or feel unsafe. Call 000, attend an emergency department, or seek urgent local care. Telehealth eligibility information is only for mild, stable, non-emergency concerns.
Do not wait for telehealth
Call 000, attend an emergency department, or seek urgent local care for symptoms that are severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, dangerous, or feel unsafe.
- Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reaction.
- Fainting, collapse, severe bleeding, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm risk, immediate danger, or mental health crisis.
- Severe pregnancy-related pain, bleeding, reduced movements, or another possible pregnancy emergency.
If symptoms are not urgent
If symptoms are mild, stable, non-emergency and you are unsure whether telehealth is suitable, check telehealth eligibility. Do not book HerDoc for symptoms listed above; call 000, attend an emergency department, or seek urgent local care.
- Use 000 or emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or dangerous symptoms.
- Use urgent local care when symptoms feel unsafe or need same-day assessment.
- Use telehealth eligibility information only for mild, stable, non-emergency concerns.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Symptoms that need immediate examination, emergency monitoring, or urgent tests.
- Severe pain, severe infection symptoms, severe dehydration, confusion, or rapid deterioration.
- Possible stroke, heart attack, anaphylaxis, sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, or other emergency.
- Any situation where you feel unsafe waiting for online information.
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 or go to an emergency department for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or dangerous symptoms, including chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, severe bleeding, severe pain, suicidal thoughts, or immediate danger.
- Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reaction.
- Severe bleeding, fainting, collapse, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm risk, risk of harm to others, or mental health crisis.
- Severe pregnancy-related pain, bleeding, reduced movements, or another possible pregnancy emergency.
Not sure whether telehealth is suitable?
Use HerDoc only for non-emergency concerns. If symptoms feel severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or unsafe, call 000 or seek urgent local care.
Related pages
FAQs
Can telehealth replace urgent care?
No. If symptoms may be urgent or dangerous, call 000, attend an emergency department, or seek urgent local care instead of waiting for telehealth.
What if my symptoms are mild but worrying?
If symptoms are mild, stable and non-emergency, telehealth eligibility information may help you decide whether an online GP discussion is appropriate. Do not wait for telehealth if symptoms become severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or unsafe.
When should I call 000?
Call 000 for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, severe allergic reaction, fainting or collapse, severe bleeding, suicidal thoughts, immediate danger, severe pregnancy-related symptoms, or any situation that feels unsafe.
What should I do if I am unsure?
If you feel unsafe or symptoms are worsening, seek urgent local care or call 000. If symptoms are mild, stable and non-emergency, read the telehealth eligibility page.