Breadcrumb
  1. Office for the Advancement of Telehealth
  2. What is Telehealth?

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is defined as the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, health administration, and public health.

What kinds of technologies make up telehealth?

  • Internet
  • Video conferencing
  • Store-and-forward imaging
  • Streaming media
  • Land and wireless communications

How has telehealth evolved?

Telehealth has expanded over the past decades. Telehealth experienced significant growth during and since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Coordinating care has improved due to the advancement and role of technology.

What is the traditional model of telehealth?

A patient receives care at one site (spoke) from a specialist working at another site (hub) in a traditional model.

Where can I access federal telehealth resources?

Visit Telehealth.HHS.gov to learn about federal efforts to support and promote telehealth services.

  • Healthcare providers – get updates on policies and reimbursement, best practice guides, and resources to help you offer telehealth services.
  • Patients – find services, get help with access, and prepare for a virtual visit.
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