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

Infectious disease specialists say that figure doesn’t represent the true scope of the outbreak, as many people — including Gonzalez, who spoke with her doctor from home via telehealth — are never tested. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

In rural communities, telehealth may represent access to care that would otherwise require extensive travel. — Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

All sessions are conducted through secure telehealth, available to patients throughout New York State, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and upstate communities. — Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Direct-to-consumer telehealth was once a highly capital-intensive space. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

tele- + health

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for telehealth

• commonwealth
• bridewealth
• health
• stealth
• wealth

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