Telehealth and telemedicine are often used interchangeably to refer to the use of electronic communication and information technologies, such as videoconferencing and electronic health records, to provide healthcare services remotely.
Telehealth is a broad term that refers to the use of these technologies to deliver a range of healthcare services, including preventative care, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This can include things like virtual doctor’s appointments, remote monitoring of patients, and the use of telehealth kiosks or other devices to collect health data.
Telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth that involves the use of these technologies to provide clinical services, such as diagnosing and treating patients, remotely. This can include virtual consultations with healthcare providers, remote prescribing of medications, and the use of telemedicine to provide follow-up care or support for patients with chronic conditions.
In general, telehealth and telemedicine can be used to improve access to healthcare, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. They can also be helpful in situations where it is difficult for patients to access care in person, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or in rural areas with limited healthcare resources.