telehealth

American  

[tel-uh-helth] / ˈtɛl əˌhɛlθ /

noun

1. a system that uses internet and telecommunications technology to provide a wide range of healthcare services, as telemedicine, education, patient care management, and remote monitoring of vital signs.

   Telehealth offers patients feedback that is more immediate than a traditional office appointment.

2. (loosely) telemedicine.

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telehealth British  

/ ˈtɛlɪˌhɛlθ /

noun

1. health care based on consultation by telephone and telemedicine

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Etymology

Origin of telehealth

First recorded in 1975–80; tele- ¹ ( def. ) + health ( def. )

Explanation

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services and information remotely, using digital technology. If you're too sick to leave the house, but not so sick that you need to go to the hospital, telehealth might be a great option. Telehealth uses modern technologies like video conferencing, monitoring devices, and online informational videos and websites to help bridge the literal gap between patients and healthcare providers. By removing the need for travel, telehealth makes healthcare more accessible, particularly for people who live in remote areas or have mobility issues. It allows patients to talk to their doctors, monitor their health, and manage their care from the comfort of home.

Example Sentences

The case involved a challenge brought by Louisiana to a 2023 Food and Drug Administration decision allowing telehealth access to the drug.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

In data from April 2022 to September 2023, 16 percent of abortions in the U.S. were done via telehealth, according to data by the Society of Family Planning.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

The change, which the FDA made permanent in 2023, allowed the pill to be prescribed through telehealth and sent to patients by mail.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Study finds that telehealth abortions are higher in areas where people lived in poverty or had to travel to reach a clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The telehealth provider, which made a name for itself in the business of weight-loss drugs, posted a first-quarter loss of 40 cents a share, compared with profit of 20 cents a share a year ago.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026