Home :: Telemedicine 101 :: What is Telemedicine

For many years experts have struggled with different definitions, terms and concepts to discuss this niche of healthcare. Below are three definitions:

Telemedicine has been traditionally defined as the practice of medicine at a distance using videoconferencing, computer, and communications technologies. The terms, telehealth and e-health were later coined in an attempt to include allied health, distance education, and Internet applications. Our definition of telemedicine incorporates telehealth and e-health concepts and includes any use of electronic means to extend health care services and health sciences education to points of need in a timely manner. (Source: East Carolina Telemedicine Center)

Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide health care when distance separates the medical professional from the patient. It also includes educational and administrative uses of these technologies in the support of health care, such as distance learning and administrative videoconferencing. (Source: The Association of Telehealth Service Providers)

Telemedicine (also referred to as "telehealth" or "e-health") allows health care professionals to use "connected" medical devices in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients in other locations. These devices are enhanced through the use of telecommunications technology, network computing, video-conferencing systems and CODECs. Specialized application software, data storage devices, database management software, and medical devices capable of electronic data collection, storage and transmission are all key components of the Telemedicine infrastructure. (Source: AMD Telemedicine)