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

Hims & Hers, the telehealth upstart, will focus on the problems of obesity in the U.S., using a minute-long spot that features a collage of different images focused on the dangers of being overweight. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

The Biden administration defended lawsuits against the use of the drug, including its availability over telehealth. —Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025

By investing in remote health care offerings, like telehealth and hospital-at-home programs, along with transportation assistance, health systems can do their part in bringing down the cost of cancer. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

The market includes a new wave of telehealth companies that have cropped up in the last few years, offering virtual clinics for menopause and perimenopause (the period between a woman's reproductive years and menopause). —Tina Reed, Axios, 23 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