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

Providers could not bill for follow-up messages sent within seven days of an in-person or telehealth visit. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

But that could reflect greater hospital capacity in areas with high telehealth use during the pandemic, the authors cautioned, not necessarily lower-quality care. —Paula Span, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025

The connectivity is widely expected to lead to new opportunities in the region, including online learning for schoolchildren and adults, telehealth consultations for seniors, digital banking for local businesses and more. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025

Additionally, the telehealth flexibilities and health center funding that passed in December were only extended until March, giving lawmakers another incentive. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025

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