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Telehealth for direct-to-consumer care

Synchronous direct-to-consumer telehealth

Synchronous telehealth is real-time, virtual care.

What is synchronous telehealth?

Synchronous telehealth happens in real-time. Providers and patients communicate directly by video or audio. Examples of synchronous telehealth include:

  • Acute care assessments allow a health care provider to evaluate a patient with an acute condition through live, video conferencing.
  • Primary care visits allow primary care providers to connect with a patient and discuss health care concerns or chronic conditions.
  • Behavioral health visits allow health care providers to connect with a patient and provide treatment for mental health conditions or substance use disorders.

Benefits for health care providers

Increasing access to care offers many benefits for patients. Synchronous direct-to-consumer telehealth also has advantages for health care providers, including:

  • Creating new business opportunities. Offering appointment times before or after the traditional workday helps providers meet patient needs. This allows providers to reach new patients and expand their service area.
  • Delivering care from home. This allows providers to adjust their hours and reduces travel.

More information:

Best practice guides — Health Resources and Services Administration

Planning your telehealth workflow — Health Resources and Services Administration

Types of telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration

Live Video (synchronous) or Real-Time Interaction — National Policy Telehealth Resource Center