telehealth

noun

tele·​health ˌte-lə-ˈhelth 

 also  -ˈheltth

: health care provided remotely to a patient in a separate location using two-way voice and visual communication (as by computer or cell phone) : telemedicine

Instead of forcing sick people to get off their couches, telehealth lets people stay in their homes while getting sound medical advice from professionals.

—Sarah Harrison

—often used before another noun

a telehealth appointment

telehealth systems

Some also will expand their use of telehealth services, which connect rural patients to specialized providers so they don't have to drive for treatment.

—Meg Wingerter

Examples of telehealth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For providers operating under a VBC model, telehealth reduces unnecessary in-person visits, helps manage chronic diseases remotely and ensures patients receive continuous care. —Joao Mendes-Roter, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Excluding abortions provided under shield laws, there was still a 26% increase in telehealth abortions. —Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Jassy has axed several projects, including a telehealth service, video-calling device for kids and a roving Treasure Truck. —Annie Palmer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024

Several recent adult studies have revealed relatively low-resource options that could be done virtually, including mindfulness by telehealth or through an app and remotely delivered cognitive behavioral therapy. —Kara Margolis, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tele- + health

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

telehealth

noun

tele·​health

ˌtel-ə-ˈhelth

: telemedicine

Medical Definition

telehealth

noun

tele·​health ˌtel-ə-ˈhelth 

: health care provided remotely to a patient in a separate location using two-way voice and visual communication (as by computer or cell phone) : telemedicine

Telehealth extends access, and it has the potential of making healthcare services more convenient for patients, especially those in rural areas, those with small children … and those with mobility restrictions.

—Clemens Scott Kruse et al., BMJ Open

—often used before another noun

telehealth visits

The states of Virginia, Montana, and Alaska, which all have large populations of veterans, will each receive about $300 000 to create or upgrade telehealth services for veterans who must travel long distances to access medical care …

—Bridget M. Kuehn, The Journal of the American Medical Association