What is telemedicine/telehealth?

In the past, Telemedicine has been defined as the practice of medicine over a distance using information and communication technologies. The terms “Telehealth” and “e-health” appeared later. These terms were added to include allied health, distance education, and Internet use. Telehealth is the use of technology to provide and support health care when the patient and provider are in different locations. This technology can also be used to “connect” patients with other patients over a distance.

What are the benefits of telemedicine/telehealth?

There are two major general benefits of telemedicine/telehealth. It allows patients to have improved access to specialists. It is also more convenient for the patient.

Other benefits are:

• Patients are more apt to follow their care plan
• Providers work closely with each other (continuity of care)
• Patients don’t have to travel as far for care
• Clinicians can provide care right from their location
• Clinicians learn more about specialties by being directly involved in the care process