Telemedicine User Guide for Reviewing Your Child’s Test Results
Telemedicine Results Review User Guide for Parents
When your child has lab work, screening results, allergy testing, cold/flu testing, or other medical findings, the next step usually matters just as much as the result itself. A telemedicine (virtual) visit can help you review what the results mean, understand recommended next steps, and decide whether an in-office evaluation or testing is needed—without an extra trip when a hands-on exam isn’t required.
This user guide is designed for families who need to discuss test results with a pediatric provider, get clear explanations, and come prepared with the right questions.
Why a virtual visit can be the right choice for results review
Not every pediatric concern requires an in-office trip. Many results review visits can be handled effectively through telemedicine, especially when:
- You need help interpreting lab or screening results
- You want to review next steps from a previous visit
- Your child is doing okay but you have concerns about what the results show
- You have questions about treatment plans, medications, or follow-up timing
- You need to discuss whether additional testing is recommended
If your child needs a physical exam, a sample collection, or in-person testing, your provider can recommend an in-office visit after reviewing the information with you virtually.
What you can review during a telemedicine results visit
Telemedicine is often a good fit for reviewing:
- Lab results (such as blood/urine tests ordered for symptoms)
- Screening findings and follow-up recommendations
- Test results from prior appointments
- Medication-related questions tied to results (for example, whether treatment should continue or be adjusted)
- Portal messages or document summaries you received after testing
Important: If results suggest an urgent problem or your child has worsening symptoms, your provider may advise an in-person evaluation.
Telemedicine Results Review User Guide (step-by-step)
Step 1: Gather your information before the visit
To make the virtual appointment as productive as possible, collect:
- The actual report (PDF/photo/screenshot is usually fine)
- The date(s) the test was done
- Any previous related results for comparison
- Notes about symptoms before the test (what changed, when it started, and severity)
- Your child’s current medications and doses (or a photo of the medication list)
Step 2: Review the report once—then write down what you don’t understand
Even if you’re not sure what the terms mean, take note of:
- Any values marked high/low or “abnormal”
- Any flagged sections (even if you’re uncertain why)
- Suggested follow-up timing (if listed)
- Any “impression,” “recommendation,” or “interpretation” section
Then write your questions in plain language (more on that below).
Step 3: Bring the “story” of the test to the visit
Providers interpret results alongside your child’s history. Helpful context includes:
- What symptoms led to the testing?
- How your child has been doing since testing
- Any new symptoms since the sample was collected
- Family or personal history that may be relevant (only what you know and is appropriate to share)
Step 4: Plan for clarity during the appointment
During the visit, it helps to ask for:
- A plain-language explanation of the results
- What is reassuring vs. what needs follow-up
- What the next step is and when it should happen
- What signs would mean you should contact the office sooner
Step 5: Confirm the next steps before the call ends
Before you end the visit, make sure you know:
- Whether more testing is needed (and why)
- The recommended follow-up appointment type (virtual vs in-office)
- Whether medications should continue, change, or stop
- Where to watch for improvement—and what would be concerning
Questions to ask during your virtual results review
Use these “ready-to-go” questions to guide your conversation:
- What do these results mean for my child right now?
- Are any parts truly abnormal, or are they just flagged for context?
- Is this result likely temporary or something that requires ongoing follow-up?
- What is the recommended next step, and what timeline should we follow?
- Do we need an in-person visit or additional testing? If so, what should we expect?
- How will we know if the plan is working? What improvements should we see?
- Are there any medication changes we should make based on these results?
- What symptoms would mean we should call urgently or come in sooner?
- Should we repeat testing later, and if yes, when and what will be compared?
If the report is complex, it’s completely appropriate to ask the provider to break it down one section at a time.
Discussing test results with relatives (and why it can feel complicated)
Some families receive results that may affect not only the child but also discussions within the wider family. Even when pediatric findings are not directly about adults, parents may still wonder:
- Who should be told?
- What can safely be shared?
- How do we explain it without misunderstanding?
Here are practical, family-focused guidelines to help you navigate “discussing test results with relatives” thoughtfully:
1) Share only what your provider says is appropriate
Before sharing details broadly, ask your pediatric provider what information is relevant and how it should be explained.
2) Use a “context-first” approach
If you share results, include:
- What was tested
- What the results indicate (in plain terms)
- What follow-up is recommended
- Whether the results are confirmed or still being evaluated
This reduces confusion and helps relatives understand that recommendations may change.
3) Be mindful of privacy and consent
Your child’s medical information is private. Consider:
- What relatives genuinely need to know
- Whether sharing could create unnecessary worry
- Whether your child should be involved as appropriate for age and maturity
4) Ask for a summary you can use when talking with family
If your provider can provide a simple written or portal-based explanation, it can be easier to share accurate information with relatives without oversharing every technical detail.
5) Consider genetics counseling when results suggest inherited risk
If the results relate to possible hereditary conditions, it may be appropriate to ask your provider whether referral to genetics counseling is recommended for your family.
When telemedicine may not be enough
Virtual visits may be limited when:
- A physical exam is required (for example, concerns that need hands-on evaluation)
- Testing must be repeated or new samples collected
- Symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or require urgent assessment
If that’s the case, your pediatric provider can guide you on the safest next step.
What to expect from Powers Pediatrics during a telemedicine results visit
At Powers Pediatrics, telemedicine visits are designed to connect families with a pediatric provider for guidance on common concerns, follow-ups, and test result review—so you can understand your child’s care plan clearly. If additional in-office evaluation or testing is recommended, your provider will help you plan what comes next.
If you use the patient portal, you can also bring information from it to the visit to support the discussion.
FAQs
1) What should I upload or bring to a telemedicine test results appointment?
Bring the test report (PDF/photo/screenshot), the date of testing, your child’s symptom history, and a medication list or photos of current medications.
2) Can a pediatric provider explain lab results in plain language during a virtual visit?
Yes. A results review visit is meant for interpretation and next-step planning. If something is unclear, ask the provider to explain each section and the recommendations.
3) Can we use telemedicine for abnormal or “flagged” results?
Often, yes. Virtual visits can be used to discuss what the abnormal flags mean, whether they are clinically significant, and what follow-up is recommended.
4) How do I prepare questions for the provider?
Write questions in simple terms before the visit. Include what you’re worried about most, what you need to decide next, and what timeline you should follow.
5) Should I share my child’s test results with extended family?
It depends on the situation. Ask your provider what’s appropriate to share and focus on context and recommendations. Be mindful of privacy and avoid oversharing unnecessary technical details.
6) What if my child gets worse after the virtual results review?
Contact your provider promptly if symptoms worsen or new concerning signs appear. Your provider can guide whether an in-office visit is needed.
Next step: review your child’s results with a pediatric provider
If you’re looking for convenient, trusted guidance for test result interpretation and next-step planning, consider scheduling a telemedicine visit with Powers Pediatrics. You can bring the report details and come ready with questions so your family can leave with a clear plan.