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

“Patients are self-reporting, and telehealth companies don’t have the patient in front of them to conduct a proper medical assessment,” said Rupal Mathur, an internist in Houston whose practice specializes in weight loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 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

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

In early March Novo Nordisk agreed to drop a patent infringement lawsuit against Hims in exchange for the telehealth provider’s commitment to sell branded Ozempic and Wegovy through its online pharmacy.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026