Telehealth is a term used to describe the delivery of health care and public health services via telecommunications technologies. Telemedicine is a subcategory of telehealth that refers specifically to patients’ remote diagnosis and treatment. While both telehealth and telemedicine use telecommunications technologies, telemedicine typically involves patients’ actual diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, telehealth encompasses various services, including patient education and support, provider training, and public health initiatives.
There has been a growing trend toward telehealth and telemedicine applications in recent years, as they offer several advantages over traditional face-to-face care. For example, telemedicine apps can allow patients to receive care from providers in other parts of the country (or even the world), which can be particularly helpful for those with rare or complex conditions. Additionally, telemedicine apps can provide greater access to care for underserved populations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs for patients and providers.
There is often confusion regarding the terms telehealth and telemedicine. While they are similar, there are some crucial distinctions. For example, telehealth generally refers to any remote healthcare, while telemedicine specifically refers to remote medical care provided by a licensed physician.
Both telehealth and telemedicine apps provide patients with convenient access to medical care, but only telemedicine apps can be used to diagnose and treat conditions. As a result, telemedicine apps are typically more comprehensive and may be a better option for patients who need more than just general health information.