Understanding the Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth
Though often used interchangeably, the terms telehealth and telemedicine each hold distinct meanings in the ever-evolving world of technology-based care. But what is the difference?
In this video filmed at Psych Congress Elevate 2023, Steering Committee Member Edward Kaftarian, MD, breaks down the definitions of telehealth and telemedicine. While highlighting the ways that definitions may vary by state, Dr Kaftarian also offers resources for clinicians to keep up with any changes in terminology and corresponding medical board policies that could impact their practice.
For more telehealth resources, visit the Telehealth Excellence Forum.
For more conference insights, visit the Psych Congress Elevate newsroom.
Edward Kaftarian, MD: My name is Dr Edward Kaftarian. I'm the Executive Chairman of Orbit Health Telepsychiatry and a member of the Psych Congress Steering Committee.
Psych Congress Network: What is the difference between telemedicine and telehealth?
Kaftarian: The difference between telemedicine and telehealth is that telehealth is more of an all-encompassing term, whereas telemedicine is more specific to the care that's delivered by the doctor for the patient. So telehealth is really representing the entire ecosystem of technology-based care, and I think both terms are going to soon become irrelevant because it's just going to become healthcare.
PCN: Could you walk us through what does and does not comprise telemedicine?
Kaftarian: Depending on the state and the medical board, some things are considered telemedicine and telehealth and other things are not. For example, in some states, emails, faxes, and texts are not considered telemedicine. In the most strict places, telemedicine is only when a doctor sees their patient synchronously in real time. But that's really a limited definition of telemedicine.
If you're ever in doubt of the definition of telemedicine and telehealth and what's included as part of the definition according to your medical board, you can go to your medical board's website. There are also other resources like the Telehealth Excellence Forum that can tell you about policies and procedures when it comes to defining telemedicine.
Edward Kaftarian, MD, is a preeminent authority in the field of Telepsychiatry. He holds a distinguished seat on the Telepsychiatry Committee of the American Psychiatric Association and is a member of the Steering Committee for Psych Congress, the United States' largest independent mental health educational conference. Additionally, Dr Kaftarian is a prominent speaker on the rules and regulations governing telehealth. Dr Kaftarian completed his psychiatry training at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University and holds board certifications in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.
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