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A health care provider offering a virtual handshake to a patient with a chronic condition.

Telehealth for chronic conditions

Getting started

There are many common chronic conditions that can be treated and managed through telehealth.

Benefits of managing chronic conditions with telehealth

Telehealth can be an important tool in providing convenient care for patients who need ongoing medical attention.

Other benefits may include:

  • Increased access to specialists
  • Enhanced convenience for those who made need regular visits
  • Increased comfort and convenience for patients with mobility issues

Using telehealth for asthma management

The goals of asthma treatment are to limit symptoms, prevent asthma attacks, and avoid side effects of asthma medication. Effectively managing asthma often requires multiple appointments to check symptoms, tweak medications, and test breathing levels.

Telehealth can be used for the management of asthma, including:

  • Virtual appointments with primary care providers to discuss medication, review asthma diaries, or order new medication
  • Video consultations with specialists like a pulmonologist or allergist
  • Training on how to property use a rescue inhaler during a severe asthma attack
  • Review environmental triggers for asthma and discuss strategies to keep those under control
  • Remote patient monitoring using devices such as a pulse oximeter and a peak flow meter
  • Messaging through a secure patient portal for topics such as nebulizer use questions or questions about dosages

Telehealth for diabetes management

About 38 million Americans have diabetes. Telehealth can be an effective tool to treat and manage diabetes, including:

  • Individual telehealth sessions to support a healthy lifestyle, including counseling on diet, exercise, and healthy choices
  • Remote patient monitoring to track blood glucose levels
  • Virtual care visits to facilitate medication adjustments and track adherence
  • Specialty care consultations
  • Remote orders and evaluation of diagnostic testing and bloodwork
  • Mobile apps and tools to help patients track and manage their health

Telehealth for long-haul COVID-19

Researchers are still studying the cause, effects, risk factors, and treatment of long-haul COVID-19, known officially as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long-haul COVID can affect anyone who was infected, even those who had mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Providers can use telehealth for the monitoring of symptoms of long-haul COVID-19. Telehealth treatment options may also include:

  • Referral to a specialist
  • Prescription medication for certain symptoms such as cough, headache, stomachache, or trouble sleeping
  • Orders for diagnostic testing or evaluation for chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and dizziness

Using telehealth for obesity treatment

2 in 5 American adults have obesity. Using telehealth to manage and treat obesity can help patients feel more comfortable tackling their health challenges from the comfort of their own home. Telehealth treatment options may include:

  • Remote patient monitoring using a digital scale
  • Counseling with a registered dietician
  • Videoconferencing with health coaches on issues such as mindful eating, portion control, and relapse prevention
  • Mental health counseling and/or online support groups
  • Secure messaging to share food or exercise diaries and progress updates

Telehealth for other conditions

There are many other chronic medical conditions that can be at least partially treated or managed with telehealth, including:

More information:

Telehealth and remote patient monitoring — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth and cancer care — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth for behavioral health care — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth for diabetes management — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth for HIV care — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth for oral health — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth Interventions to Improve Chronic Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Telehealth for FQHCs/RHCs: Chronic Disease Management (video) — National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers