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

Cue also enabled its smartphone app to connect users to telehealth services. —Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2024

Pivotal Ventures has funded pediatric telehealth startup Summer Health, funds like Female Founders Fund, and efforts to get more women into political office. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 14 May 2024

Research has shown that telehealth abortions are as safe and effective as in-clinic care. —Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 14 May 2024

As a business, telehealth may prove challenging as well. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024

Ways & Means strikes first Yesterday, leaders of the House Ways & Means Committee passed a two-year extension of expiring Medicare telehealth provisions with a major, unanimous 41-0 vote. —Rachel Cohrs Zhang, STAT, 9 May 2024

Free talk therapy will also be available around the clock at the center, either with an in-person therapist or via telehealth, to help people process their emotions and learn de-scalation techniques and coping skills, Karim said. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024

During the Covid-19 pandemic, lawmakers allowed Medicare patients to access telehealth services in more places and with a greater variety of providers than before, but some of those flexibilities are set to expire at the end of the year. —Mario Aguilar and Rachel Cohrs Zhang, STAT, 2 May 2024

In the future, Green says, patients in more rural areas may be able to use One Medical’s services through a combination of telehealth and partnerships with local providers. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 May 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