Telemedicine vs. Telehealth: What’s the Difference?

Key Takeaways

• Telemedicine focuses on remote clinical care like virtual doctor visits, while telehealth covers a broader range of health services, including education and monitoring.
• Both telemedicine and telehealth rely on technology, such as video calls, mobile apps, and remote monitoring devices, to deliver convenient, accessible care.
• Challenges include technology access, privacy concerns, digital literacy, and insurance coverage, but ongoing improvements continue to expand telehealth’s reach and effectiveness.

The rise of virtual healthcare has transformed how we connect with doctors, therapists, and other professionals, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many services online. From video calls with primary care physicians to remote monitoring for chronic conditions, digital care has become a regular part of modern medicine. 

Along the way, you’ve probably heard the terms telemedicine and telehealth thrown around. Most people use them interchangeably, but there’s an important difference. Understanding telemedicine vs. telehealth can help patients, providers, and even future healthcare professionals navigate the digital care landscape more effectively and make more informed choices about their health.

Differences Between Telemedicine and Telehealth

Telehealth is the broader term that includes both clinical and non-clinical services delivered remotely. Telemedicine, on the other hand, is a subset of telehealth, focused specifically on virtual clinical care, like doctor consultations, diagnoses, and treatment. 

Technology used

Telemedicine and telehealth both rely on digital tools, but the technologies they use vary based on the services provided. Here’s how they differ:

Telemedicine technologies (for virtual doctor visits and remote treatment) include:

• Video conferencing platforms:  Enable real-time consultations with licensed providers.
• Secure messaging systems: Used for follow-ups, test results, and e-prescriptions.
• Digital diagnostic tools: Devices like digital stethoscopes or otoscopes can transmit data to physicians for remote evaluation.

Telehealth technologies (both clinical and non-clinical services) include:

• Mobile health applications: Help track medications, fitness, nutrition, or mental health.
• Remote patient monitoring devices: Tools like glucose monitors or blood pressure cuffs transmit readings to healthcare teams.
• Health education platforms: Provide resources for chronic disease management and healthy lifestyle guidance.
• Patient portals: Allow patients to schedule appointments, access medical records, and communicate with providers securely.

Provider types

The types of professionals involved in virtual care depend on the scope of services offered. Telemedicine focuses on clinical treatment, while telehealth supports both treatment and broader health management.

In telemedicine, you might find:

• Doctors (MDs and DOs): Provide primary care, specialist consultations, and treatment plans.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs): Diagnose and manage common illnesses, prescribe medications, and offer follow-up care.
• Physician assistants (PAs): Perform similar duties to NPs, often working under physician supervision.
• Licensed specialists: For example, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and endocrinologists, providing virtual specialty services.

The types of professionals working in telehealth include:

• Therapists and mental health counselors: Support mental well-being through remote therapy sessions.
• Dietitians and nutritionists: Offer meal planning and dietary advice virtually.
• Care coordinators: Help manage treatment plans and follow-up schedules.
• Health educators: Guide patients on lifestyle changes and chronic disease prevention.
• Administrative staff: Assist with technical support, scheduling, and onboarding.

Services covered

Understanding the difference between services offered under telemedicine and telehealth helps clarify how virtual care supports both clinical treatment and overall health management.

Telemedicine focuses strictly on direct medical care delivered remotely. Typical services include:

• Virtual consultations: Real-time video visits with licensed healthcare providers.
• Diagnosis and treatment: Evaluation of symptoms and prescribing of treatments.
• Follow-up appointments: Continued care after initial treatment or surgery.
• Prescription management: Renewing medications or adjusting doses remotely.
• Specialist referrals: Coordinated care with other medical experts.

Telehealth includes all telemedicine services plus a wider variety of health-related support:

• Remote patient monitoring: Tracking blood pressure, glucose, or other vitals at home.
• Mental health counseling: Access to psychologists, therapists, and support groups.
• Chronic disease education: Tools and sessions for managing conditions like diabetes or asthma.
• Wellness coaching: Guidance on exercise, diet, and preventive care.
• Administrative check-ins: Assistance with appointments, billing, and navigating care options.

Benefits of Telemedicine

Telemedicine offers patients the convenience of accessing licensed healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. This approach eliminates the need for travel, saving time and reducing associated costs. 

For example, a recent study highlighted that telehealth visits saved patients an average of 2.9 hours of driving time and 1.2 hours of in-clinic time per visit.

Beyond time savings, telemedicine reduces expenses related to transportation, childcare, and time off work. Patients no longer need to navigate traffic or sit in waiting rooms, making it easier to fit appointments into busy schedules.

Moreover, telemedicine enhances access to healthcare for individuals in rural or underserved areas, connecting them with specialists without the burden of long-distance travel.

Overall, it provides a flexible, efficient, and accessible option for receiving medical care, aligning with the evolving needs of patients in today’s fast-paced world.

Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth goes beyond treating illnesses, offering a more complete approach to wellness. One of its major advantages is the ability to connect patients with a range of healthcare professionals, not just doctors. This includes access to mental health counselors, dietitians, physical therapists, and more—all without needing to leave home. 

For those managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, telehealth supports better outcomes through regular check-ins, digital monitoring tools, and timely adjustments to care plans. It also encourages patients to take an active role in their health with educational resources and virtual follow-ups that help them stay on track. 

These tools build better habits and strengthen communication between patients and providers. Most importantly, telehealth reduces the gaps in care by reaching people in rural areas or those with mobility or transportation issues.

Challenges and Considerations

While virtual healthcare has opened up new possibilities, it also comes with its own set of challenges that patients, providers, and policymakers must navigate. These issues apply to both telemedicine and telehealth and can impact the quality and accessibility of care.

• Limited access to technology: Many individuals, especially in rural or underserved areas, lack reliable internet connections or the devices needed for virtual visits.
• Privacy and data security: Sharing medical information over digital platforms raises concerns about confidentiality and cybersecurity, particularly when platforms are not HIPAA-compliant.
• Digital literacy gaps: Older adults or individuals unfamiliar with technology may struggle to use telehealth tools effectively, reducing their ability to receive proper care.
• Insurance coverage inconsistencies: Telehealth services are not uniformly covered across all states or by all insurance providers, leading to confusion or unexpected costs.
• Clinical limitations: Some health issues, like physical injuries or complex diagnostic cases, may require hands-on exams or testing that virtual visits cannot provide.

Conclusion

Telemedicine and telehealth are reshaping how we experience healthcare, offering greater flexibility, access, and support than ever before. While they differ in scope, both play crucial roles in improving patient care and connecting people with the services they need. For students inspired by these advancements, a career in medicine offers the chance to lead this digital transformation. 

At AUAMED, you’ll gain the clinical knowledge and hands-on training needed to thrive in both traditional and virtual healthcare settings. So, explore the MD program and take your first step toward becoming a future-ready physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need for a telehealth visit?

For a telehealth visit, you need a device with a camera and microphone (like a smartphone or computer) and a reliable internet connection.

Can children or seniors use telemedicine safely?

Yes, children and seniors can safely use telemedicine, often with a caregiver’s help to navigate technology.

Can I access mental health services through telehealth?

Absolutely, many mental health services, like therapy and counseling, are available through telehealth platforms.