Telehealth (e-Health) – a diverse collection of technologies and methods to deliver virtual medical, health and education services independent of location and distance

Telemedicine – the clinical arm of telehealth (e.g., teleradiology, telepathology, telecardiology, behavioral health)

Telecare – the non-clinical arm of telehealth (e.g., patient communication portals, remote health monitoring devices, e-learning, mobile health apps, medical alert system, home assistance devices)

Requirements

• Communication link/ Internet availability
• Adequate bandwidth
• Secure electronic exchange of data

Options

• Synchronous (real time)
• Asynchronous (store and forward)

Primary care telehealth (PCT) complements in-person care. It focuses on wellness, disease prevention and health maintenance versus a clinical radar approach that focuses on “find it, and fix it” interventions. PCT is now a cornerstone of providing patient-centric continuum of care.

• On a micro level, its value stems from field experience demonstrating increased access to care, enhanced patient engagement, and improved health outcomes, while generating cost savings to contribute to sustainable health systems.
• On a macro level, its value stems from recognition that healthy populations consume less social and medical resources, are more productive, and miss fewer days at work.

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