Telemedicine Glossary

Welcome to our Telemedicine Terms Glossary!

We’ve broken down all the important telemedicine terms and telehealth terms into simple, easy-to-digest definitions. Whether you’re a healthcare pro or just exploring this exciting field, this glossary is here to help!

Acute Care Telemedicine

Specialized telemedicine services focused on providing immediate care for acute or emergency conditions.

Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Certification

A certification for hospitals equipped to provide timely and effective care for stroke patients.

American Telemedicine Association (ATA)

A professional organization promoting the use of telemedicine and advancing its policies and standards.

Artificial Intelligence in Health

AI systems used to analyze health data, assist in diagnostics, or personalize treatment plans.

Asynchronous Telemedicine

A method where patients send health data or questions to providers, who review and respond later.

Audio-teleconferencing

A real-time audio communication method where multiple participants join via phone or online platforms to discuss medical issues or collaborate remotely.

Augmented Reality (AR) in Healthcare

Overlaying digital information in real-world scenarios, such as during surgeries or medical training.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system to ensure secure access to medical data or telehealth services.

Automated data collection

The use of digital tools to gather patient data remotely, streamlining telemedicine workflows and improving accuracy.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time, crucial for supporting smooth telemedicine sessions.

Bioinformatics

Using technology to collect, analyze, and interpret biological and genetic data.

Blockchain in Health Tech

A secure way to manage and share medical records using blockchain technology, ensuring data integrity.

Business Associate (BA)

An entity that handles protected health information (PHI) on behalf of a healthcare provider or organization.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

A U.S. federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and other health programs, including telehealth reimbursement policies.

Chatbots in Healthcare

AI-powered tools that answer basic health questions or guide patients through symptoms.

Chronic Care Management (CCM)

Ongoing care and management for chronic conditions, often enhanced by telehealth tools.

Class of Service (CoS)

A system prioritizing network traffic for telemedicine applications to ensure quality and reliability.

ClearHealth Quality Institute (CHQI)

An organization offering accreditation for telemedicine providers and programs to ensure quality care.

Clinical Decision Support (CDS)

Software that provides healthcare professionals with data-driven recommendations to enhance decision-making.

Clinical Outcomes Assessment

Evaluating the results of treatments or interventions, increasingly facilitated by telehealth data collection tools.

Cloud Computing

Using remote servers to store, manage, and process telemedicine data, enabling scalable and accessible healthcare services.

Community-Based Health Care

Healthcare services tailored to meet the specific needs of a community, often enhanced with telemedicine tools.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Community-Based Participatory Research, a collaborative approach to research that engages communities in healthcare studies, often facilitated through telehealth.

Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)

A hospital certification for advanced stroke care capabilities, including telemedicine support.

Computer-Based Patient Record (CPR)

An early version of digital medical records used for storing patient health information electronically.

Coordination of Care

Ensuring that all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care collaborate effectively, often enhanced by telehealth tools.

Crisis Stabilization

Immediate intervention provided remotely to patients experiencing mental health crises.

Critical Access Hospital

Small rural hospitals that provide essential healthcare services, often using telemedicine to expand access.

Critical Care

Specialized medical care for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions, increasingly supported by telehealth.

Culture of Safety in Healthcare

A commitment to safety at all levels of healthcare delivery, supported by secure telemedicine practices and protocols.

Cybersecurity in Health Tech

Protecting sensitive health data from unauthorized access or breaches.

Digital Biomarkers

Health-related data collected through digital devices to track physical or behavioral changes.

Digital Health

The use of technology, apps, and gadgets to improve health and wellness, including fitness trackers and chronic disease management tools.

Digital Health Literacy

The ability to find, understand, and use digital tools and technologies to manage health effectively.

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)

A standard format for medical imaging files, ensuring compatibility across systems and telehealth platforms.

Digital Medical Devices

Smart devices such as wearable monitors or connected glucose meters that collect and transmit health data digitally.

Digital Therapeutics

Software-based treatments used to manage or treat medical conditions alongside traditional therapies.

Digital Twins in Health

Virtual replicas of patients or organs used for simulations, diagnostics, and treatment planning.

Direct to Consumer

Telemedicine services offered directly to patients without requiring referrals from primary care providers.

Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine (DTC)

Telemedicine services that patients can access directly through apps or websites without needing a referral.

Disaster Recovery

Strategies and systems for restoring healthcare operations and data after emergencies or cyberattacks.

Distant Site

The location of the healthcare provider delivering telemedicine services to a patient located elsewhere.

E-Consultation

Online consultations with healthcare providers, often via secure messaging systems.

eHealth

Digital health services and information accessible online, such as symptom checkers or online booking platforms.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that records brain activity, often performed remotely with specialized devices.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

The electronic transfer of medical data between healthcare systems, facilitating smoother telemedicine operations.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Digital versions of a patient’s medical history that streamline care and data sharing between providers.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

A digital version of a patient’s medical chart that helps streamline clinical workflows and improve care coordination.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Assistance Program, offering mental health and wellness support to employees, increasingly delivered via telehealth.

Encryption

The process of converting sensitive data into code to protect patient information during transmission over networks.

E-Prescription

Electronic prescriptions sent directly to pharmacies, simplifying the medication pickup process.

Gamification in Healthcare

Using game-like elements in apps or platforms to encourage healthy behaviors, like earning points for exercising.

Health Apps

Mobile applications designed for fitness, nutrition, mental health, or chronic condition management.

Health Equity in Digital Health

Ensuring that digital health tools and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Systems that enable healthcare providers to securely share patient data across organizations.

Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

A U.S. law ensuring the security and privacy of medical records and patient information.

Health Tech

The intersection of healthcare and technology, covering everything from AI diagnostics to robotic-assisted surgeries.

Health Virtual Communities

Online platforms where patients and providers can share experiences, offer support, and access telehealth services.

Healthcare Burnout

Physical and emotional exhaustion faced by providers, which telemedicine can help reduce by offering more flexible care options.

Healthcare Credentialing

Verifying the qualifications of healthcare professionals to ensure safe telemedicine practices.

Healthcare Informatics

The study and application of information technology in healthcare, forming the backbone of telemedicine systems.

Healthcare Quality Management (HQM)

Strategies and tools to monitor and improve healthcare outcomes, often integrated with telehealth analytics.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, often requiring urgent care supported by telemedicine.

HIPAA-Compliant Messaging

Secure communication tools used in telemedicine to ensure patient data privacy and compliance with HIPAA regulations.

HITRUST

A security framework ensuring compliance with healthcare data protection standards, including HIPAA.

Home Health Technology

Tools and devices for delivering healthcare at home, such as telehealth systems or remote monitoring kits.

Hospitalist

A physician specializing in hospital-based care, often leveraging telehealth for consults and follow-ups.

Hub-and-spoke model

A telehealth model where a central hub (e.g., a major hospital) provides specialized services to multiple smaller spoke locations.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Information and Communication Technology, the backbone of telemedicine systems enabling seamless data and communication sharing.

Integrated Delivery Network (IDN)

A network of healthcare providers and organizations working together, often using telehealth to coordinate patient care.

Integrated Delivery System (IDS)

A network of healthcare providers and facilities working together under a unified structure to deliver coordinated and seamless patient care. Telemedicine often plays a key role in enhancing collaboration and communication within an IDS, ensuring patients receive high-quality, efficient, and accessible care across multiple services and locations.

Intensive care

Critical medical services provided to patients in ICUs, often enhanced by tele-ICU technologies.

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

Connected devices that gather and transmit health data, such as smart glucose monitors or blood pressure cuffs.

Interoperability

The ability of different healthcare systems to securely share and use medical data across platforms.

Interstate Medical Licensing Compact

An agreement among U.S. states to simplify the licensing process for physicians practicing telemedicine across state lines.

Involuntary Commitment (IVC)

The legal process of admitting a patient to a mental health facility against their will when they pose a risk to themselves or others.

Involuntary Commitment (IVC) Reversal

The process of evaluating and potentially overturning an involuntary commitment decision through remote assessments.

Lean Six Sigma

A methodology focused on improving efficiency and reducing waste in healthcare processes, often applied to telemedicine workflows.

Licensure/Licensing

The process of obtaining legal permission to practice healthcare in a specific region, often streamlined for telemedicine providers.

Load Balancing

Distributing network traffic across servers to ensure telemedicine platforms remain fast and reliable.

Locum Tenens Physician

A temporary physician filling in for another, sometimes using telehealth to provide services remotely.

Medical Credentialing

The process of verifying and approving healthcare providers for telemedicine and traditional practices.

Medical Staff Services

The administrative team managing credentials, privileging, and compliance for providers, including those in telemedicine.

Medication Management Support

Telehealth services that assist patients in managing and adhering to their medication regimens.

Medication-Assisted Treatmen (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment, combining medication and counseling for substance use disorders, often supported by telehealth.

m-Health

Mobile Health, the use of smartphones, apps, and wearables to support healthcare services and patient monitoring.

mHealth (Mobile Health)

Health services delivered via mobile devices, such as apps for medication reminders or fitness tracking.

Multidisciplinary Healthcare

Coordinated care involving providers from various specialties, often facilitated by telemedicine platforms.

Neurology

A medical specialty focusing on the nervous system, often utilizing telehealth for consultations and follow-ups.

Nurse to Patient Ratio

The number of nurses assigned per patient, a metric that telehealth solutions can help optimize in certain settings.

Originating Site

The location where a patient is during a telemedicine consultation, often a home or clinic.

Parity, Coverage

Ensuring telehealth services are covered by insurance in the same way as in-person visits.

Parity, Payment

Guaranteeing that providers are reimbursed equally for telehealth and in-person services.

Patient Portal

Online platforms where patients can access medical records, book appointments, and communicate with providers.

Patient-Centered Care

A care approach focusing on individual patient needs and preferences, with telehealth enabling more personalized services.

Peripherals

Devices like digital stethoscopes or otoscopes that connect to telemedicine platforms to gather health data.

Personalized Medicine

Tailoring medical treatments to an individual’s genetic profile, preferences, and lifestyle.

Physician

A licensed medical doctor who provides care and, in telehealth, may diagnose and treat patients remotely.

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

Picture Archiving and Communication System, used for storing and sharing medical imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, in telemedicine.

Population Health Management

Strategies and technologies for improving the health outcomes of a specific group of people.

Post-Acute Care

Care provided after hospitalization, including rehabilitation and recovery, often supported by telehealth.

Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

Using data to predict trends or health risks, such as forecasting disease outbreaks or identifying patient risk factors.

Presenter (Patient Presenter)

A healthcare worker or assistant present at the patient’s location to facilitate telemedicine consultations.

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

The main healthcare provider for a patient, often leveraging telehealth for routine care and referrals.

Primary Stroke Center (PSC) Certification

Certification for hospitals that provide quality stroke care, with or without telemedicine support.

Privileging

The process by which a healthcare organization grants specific practice rights to a provider, often for telemedicine services.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any information about health status, care, or payment that can identify a patient and must be protected under HIPAA.

Psychiatry

A medical field focusing on mental health, frequently supported by telepsychiatry for remote counseling and diagnosis.

Pulmonology

The branch of medicine dealing with lung and respiratory conditions, often managed remotely through telehealth.

Rapid Access and Communication for Efficient Referrals (RACER)

An acronym representing Rapid Access and Communication for Efficient Referrals, a concept in telemedicine workflows.

Readmission

When a patient returns to the hospital shortly after discharge, often preventable with effective telehealth follow-ups.

Real-Time Communication

Instant interaction between patients and providers through video, voice, or chat in telehealth services.

Remote Clinical Monitoring (RCM)

Using devices and apps to track patients’ health data in real-time, allowing providers to intervene proactively.

Remote Consultation

A virtual session where a provider offers medical advice or treatment recommendations without an in-person visit.

Remote ICU Monitoring

Technology enabling specialists to monitor ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients remotely, often using live video feeds and vital sign tracking.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Monitoring patients’ health data remotely using wearable devices or mobile apps, commonly for chronic diseases.

Robotics in Healthcare

Robots assisting in surgeries, patient care, or rehabilitation exercises.

Rounding

The process of checking on multiple patients, now often conducted remotely via telemedicine in hospitals.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

A cloud-based software delivery model that allows healthcare organizations to use applications without hosting them locally.

Short-Term Acute Care Hospital

A hospital providing immediate care for acute illnesses or injuries, some integrating telemedicine to expand reach.

Stakeholders

Individuals or organizations involved in telehealth, such as providers, patients, insurers, and technology vendors.

Store-and-Forward Telehealth

Sending medical data (like X-rays or test results) to specialists for later review and diagnosis.

Stroke

A medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, with treatment increasingly supported by telestroke services.

Stroke Certification

Accreditation for hospitals meeting specific criteria in stroke diagnosis and treatment, sometimes incorporating telemedicine.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which supports telehealth for behavioral health services.

Supply and Demand

The balance between available healthcare resources and patient needs, managed effectively through telemedicine solutions.

Synchronous Communication

Real-time interaction between healthcare providers and patients, such as video or phone consultations.

Synchronous Telemedicine

Real-time interaction between patients and providers, such as video calls or live chats.

TeleBehavioralHealth

Remote mental health services, including therapy and counseling, provided via telehealth platforms.

TeleCardiology

Remote cardiac care services like monitoring heart conditions and conducting virtual consultations with cardiologists.

Telecare

Remote delivery of non-clinical services like health education, medication reminders, or monitoring daily activities.

Teleconferencing

Communication between multiple parties via audio, video, or both, used for patient care, meetings, or training.

Teleconsultation

A remote consultation between healthcare providers or between a provider and a patient to discuss medical care.

TeleCritical Care

Remote monitoring and management of critically ill patients, often conducted in tele-ICU setups.

Teledermatology

Remote consultations with dermatologists using photos or videos of skin conditions.

Telehealth

A broader term encompassing telemedicine, health education, monitoring, and other non-clinical services delivered via technology.

TeleICU

A telehealth system for remotely monitoring ICU patients, enabling specialists to assist bedside teams from afar.

Telemedicine

Using technology to provide medical care remotely, such as virtual doctor visits via video calls or chats.

Telemedicine Platform

The software or system that facilitates virtual consultations, patient monitoring, and health data sharing in telemedicine.

TeleMentalHealth

Telehealth services dedicated to mental health care, such as therapy and psychiatric evaluations.

Telemonitoring

Continuous or periodic remote monitoring of patients’ health status, typically for chronic conditions.

TeleNeurohospitalist

Remote neurologists specializing in inpatient neurology care, providing consultations and follow-ups via telemedicine.

TeleNeurology

Neurology services delivered remotely, including diagnostics, management, and patient follow-ups.

Telenursing

Nursing services provided remotely, such as follow-up care or health advice.

Telepharmacy

Remote pharmaceutical services, such as online consultations with pharmacists or electronic prescription reviews.

Telepresence

The use of advanced technology to simulate the presence of a healthcare provider in a remote location.

TelePsychiatry

A branch of telehealth that delivers psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and medication management through digital platforms.

TelePulmonology

Remote care for respiratory conditions, providing patients access to pulmonology specialists through telehealth.

Telestroke

A telemedicine service specializing in stroke diagnosis and treatment, enabling faster intervention, especially in rural areas.

Telesupervision (or E-Supervision)

Remote supervision of healthcare providers or students through telehealth platforms, ensuring training and compliance.

Teletherapy

Remote mental health counseling, often conducted via video calls or chat platforms.

Televisitation

Virtual visits allowing families to connect with hospitalized loved ones remotely, enhancing emotional support.

Tele-Wellness

Remote services focusing on preventive care and general wellness, including fitness coaching and nutrition advice.

The Joint Commission

An organization that accredits healthcare facilities, including those offering telemedicine services, for quality and safety.

Thrombectomy

A medical procedure to remove blood clots, often guided remotely through telestroke or tele-ICU services.

Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC)

Certification for hospitals proficient in performing thrombectomy procedures and managing stroke cases.

Time Last Known Well (TLKW)

The last moment a stroke patient was known to be symptom-free, crucial for determining eligibility for treatments like tPA.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)

A medication used to dissolve clots during strokes, with eligibility and administration often determined through telestroke services.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often called a “mini-stroke,” with management supported by telehealth.

Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC)

An organization providing accreditation for healthcare services, including telemedicine programs, ensuring quality and compliance.

Value-Based Care

A healthcare model focused on improving patient outcomes while reducing costs, with telemedicine playing a key role.

Video Consultations

Real-time video calls with healthcare providers for consultations, checkups, or follow-ups.

Virtual Care

Healthcare services provided through digital platforms, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups.

Virtual Check-Ins

Brief telehealth visits for quick updates, follow-ups, or clarifications, often used to improve patient engagement.

Virtual Clinical Trials

Conducting clinical trials remotely using digital tools, minimizing the need for in-person visits.

Virtual Health Assistant

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, that answer health-related questions or provide reminders.

Virtual Hospital

A healthcare facility providing services entirely online, utilizing telemedicine platforms for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare

The use of VR for medical training, pain management, or therapy.

Wearable Health Technology

Devices like fitness trackers or smartwatches that collect health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, or physical activity.

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