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

Yes, everybody’s a lot more comfortable, or not everybody, but more and more people are becoming more comfortable doing telehealth and things like that. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

For example, the county estimates providing telehealth could cost anywhere between $1 million to $4 million. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Multiple states are challenging the federal rules that allow mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth. —Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026

The company’s core service uses a chatbot to talk to patients about symptoms and health concerns before transferring them to a clinician over telehealth for diagnosis and treatment, for a $39 fee. —Mario Aguilar, STAT, 23 Mar. 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