Medical technology3 min read
Telehealth
Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — lets you see your health care provider by phone or video without going to their office. Many conditions can be handled this way, but it is not right for everyone or every condition.
According to the HHS, it can be used to talk about feelings or problems such as alcohol and drugs, to check skin problems, to follow up after surgery, and to use remote monitoring tools to track health. The WHO notes that the COVID-19 pandemic generated great interest in implementing and expanding its services, and that it has the potential to improve clinical management and expand service coverage.
You may sometimes need to see the provider in person. To protect your data, the HHS advises against using free or public internet when sharing health information. In an emergency, a remote consultation is not a substitute for seeking emergency help immediately.
- In widespread clinical use
- Approved for specific uses
- In clinical trials
- Preclinical
- Concept
A service available for many conditions in many health systems, with major expansion since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mental health, follow-up, skin checks and remote monitoringIn widespread clinical use
Examples of what can be handled remotely according to the HHS.1
Status last checked: · What the maturity levels mean
What is it?
Telehealth, sometimes called telemedicine, lets you see a provider without going to their clinic, by phone or video.
How does it work?
It is done by phone or video, and remote monitoring tools may be used with it to track health; see Wearables.
Where is it used today?
It can be used to talk about feelings or alcohol and drug problems, to check skin problems, to follow up after surgery, and to track blood pressure with remote monitoring tools.
The WHO notes that it has the potential to improve clinical management and expand service coverage, and that COVID-19 generated great interest in expanding it.
Limits and risks
It is not suitable for every person or every condition, and you may sometimes need an in-person visit.
Do not use free or public internet when sharing health information.
In an emergency, call for emergency help immediately instead of a remote consultation.
Common questions
Is a remote consultation suitable for every condition?
No; it is not suitable for every person or every condition, and you may sometimes need an in-person visit; in an emergency, call for help immediately.3
Questions for your doctor
- Can my condition be followed remotely, and when do I need an in-person visit?
References
- 1U.S. HHS. What can be treated through telehealth?. telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/what-can-be-treated-through-telehealthHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 2WHO. Consolidated telemedicine implementation guide. www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240059184Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 3U.S. HHS. Why use telehealth?. telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/why-use-telehealthHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
- 4U.S. HHS. How do I protect my data and privacy?. telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/additional-resources/data-privacyHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-08
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.