--- title: What Is the Difference Between Telehealth and Virtual Visits? description: Discover what is the difference between telehealth and virtual visits. Explore how these revolutionary approaches enhance healthcare accessibility. image: https://www.accuhealth.tech/hubfs/Updating%20Patient%20Stats.jpg --- # What Is the Difference Between Telehealth and Virtual Visits? As technology continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, new terms and concepts are emerging to describe various remote healthcare services. Two such terms that are often used interchangeably are telehealth and virtual visits. While both involve remote medical consultations, understanding the differences between these terms is important for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. In this blog post, we will explore and clarify the distinction between telehealth and virtual visits. ![David Medeiros](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/David_M._B.g__2_-removebg-preview.png?noresize&width=80&height=80&name=David_M._B.g__2_-removebg-preview.png) Published by: [David Medeiros](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/author/david-medeiros) on Published On: 02/09/2024 • Updated: 03/10/2025 • 6 minute read --- Share this Post: - [Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Twitter&url=https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) - [Share on Facebook ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook) - [Share on LinkedIn ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=LinkedIn) - [Share on Pinterest ](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Pinterest&media=https://www.accuhealth.tech/hubfs/Updating%20Patient%20Stats.jpg) - [Share on Email ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Email&body=Check%20out%20https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Email) --- ![Doctor at a desk on his phone](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_332100351.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=AdobeStock_332100351.jpg) ## Telehealth Telehealth is a broad term that encompasses a range of remote healthcare services. It refers to the use of technology to deliver healthcare services, including medical consultations, diagnoses, monitoring, education, and more. Telehealth leverages various communication tools, such as video conferencing, telephone calls, secure messaging, and even remote monitoring devices, to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth services extend beyond simple video consultations and allow for comprehensive healthcare delivery, including remote patient monitoring, electronic health record management, and even virtual collaborations among healthcare professionals. Telehealth enables healthcare providers to [deliver care remotely,](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/complete-guide-remote-patient-monitoring) overcoming barriers of distance, time, and accessibility.   ![Patient on a telehealth call with doctor](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_389598694.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=AdobeStock_389598694.jpg) ## Virtual Visits Virtual visits, on the other hand, specifically refer to remote medical consultations conducted via video conferencing or audio calls. Virtual visits are a subset of telehealth, focusing primarily on real-time video interactions between patients and healthcare providers. During a virtual visit, patients can discuss their symptoms, receive medical advice, obtain prescriptions, and follow-up on their treatment plans with healthcare professionals, all from the comfort of their own homes. While virtual visits typically involve live interactions, some healthcare providers may also offer asynchronous virtual visits, where patients provide their medical information and concerns through secure messaging platforms or pre-recorded video messages. The healthcare provider then reviews the information and responds with medical recommendations or guidance.   ![Doctor taking readings from a patient](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_81854566.jpeg?width=3816&height=2100&name=AdobeStock_81854566.jpeg) ## Key Differences The primary difference between telehealth and virtual visits lies in their scope. Telehealth encompasses a broader range of remote healthcare services, including not only video consultations but also remote monitoring, education, and collaborative care. On the other hand, virtual visits specifically focus on real-time video or audio consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth often involves more extensive integration of technology, such as electronic health records and [remote monitoring devices,](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/remote-patient-monitoring-devices-an-overview) to facilitate comprehensive care delivery. In contrast, virtual visits are more streamlined, with a primary focus on providing immediate medical consultations remotely. It's important to note that the terms telehealth and virtual visits are often used interchangeably in common parlance, and the precise definitions may vary depending on regional regulations and healthcare provider practices. However, understanding the underlying differences between these terms can help patients and healthcare professionals navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of remote healthcare services more effectively.   ![Doctor explaining information on a clipboard to a patient](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_692746576.jpg?width=1000&height=712&name=AdobeStock_692746576.jpg) ## Revolutionizing Healthcare Telehealth and virtual visits are terms that are often used interchangeably but have distinct differences in their scope and focus. While telehealth encompasses a broad range of remote healthcare services, virtual visits specifically refer to real-time video or audio consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Both telehealth and virtual visits have [revolutionized ](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/the-future-of-rpm-and-ccm-a-consolidated-approach)the accessibility and convenience of healthcare, enabling patients to receive medical care remotely. By understanding these terms, patients can better navigate the world of remote healthcare and make informed decisions about their medical consultations. To learn more about Accuhealth and RPM, access the resources below. 1. [How to Set Up Your Remote Patient Monitoring System](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/how-to-set-up-a-remote-patient-monitoring-system) 2. [The Complete Guide to Remote Patient Monitoring](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/complete-guide-remote-patient-monitoring) If you are curious about CMS changes that may affect your practice, check [this](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/proposed-changes-2023-cms-fee-schedule-how-it-affects-you) out. --- Filed under: - [Telehealth](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/tag/telehealth) --- ## Related Posts Start swiping below to see related posts. ## Meet the Author Accuhealth is proud to feature content from industry-leading experts that contribute in-depth knowledge of Remote Patient Monitoring and Telehealth subject matter to our blog. ![David Medeiros](https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-fs/hubfs/David_M._B.g__2_-removebg-preview.png?width=300&height=300&name=David_M._B.g__2_-removebg-preview.png) ### [David Medeiros](https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/author/david-medeiros) David Medeiros is a Remote Patient Monitoring expert with 10 years of clinical, telehealth and home care experience, specifically in Remote Patient Monitoring. With his team, David has been able to develop RPM/Telehealth from the early pilot years, to the industry leading juggernaut that Accuhealth is today. Follow David Medeiros on - [Visit David Medeiros's LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-medeiros-885860242/) - [Visit David Medeiros's Website ](https://accuhealth.tech) Ready to Setup Your Clinic? Just click the link below to talk to a member of our sales team or to learn more about our Remote Patient Monitoring solution and get your clinic setup in under 24 hours. [![Schedule a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7986850/7833cb86-9c3b-49fc-a567-88ea02117770.png) ](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7986850/7833cb86-9c3b-49fc-a567-88ea02117770) × Stay connected! Signup for the latest news in Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en-US", "name" : "Accuhealth Technologies LLC", "potentialAction" : [ { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : { "@type" : "PropertyValueSpecification", "valueName" : "search_term_string", "valueRequired" : true }, "target" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/hs-search-results?term={search_term_string}" } ], "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/organization" }, "url" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech" } ``` ```json { "@context" : [ "https://schema.org", { "@language" : "en-US" } ], "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/webpage", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech//blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/breadcrumblist/1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-10T19:04:15+00:00", "datePublished" : "2024-02-09T17:06:11+00:00", "hasPart" : [ { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/blog/31488980035/post/155260489253" } ], "inLanguage" : "en-US", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/website" }, "name" : "What Is the Difference Between Telehealth and Virtual Visits?", "potentialAction" : [ { "@type" : "ReadAction", "actionStatus" : "https://schema.org/PotentialActionStatus", "location" : { "@type" : "VirtualLocation", "url" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits#postWrapper" }, "object" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/blog/31488980035/post/155260489253" } } ], "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/hubfs/Updating%20Patient%20Stats.jpg/#/primaryimage", "contentUrl" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/hubfs/Updating%20Patient%20Stats.jpg" }, "speakable" : { "@type" : "SpeakableSpecification", "xpath" : [ "/html/head/title", "/html/head/meta[@name='description']/@content" ] }, "url" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits" } ``` ```json { "@context" : [ "https://schema.org", { "@language" : "en-US" } ], "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech//blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/breadcrumblist/1", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech///#/webpage", "@type" : "WebPage", "name" : "Home" }, "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/#/webpage", "@type" : "Blog", "name" : "Blog Index" }, "position" : 2 } ], "itemListOrder" : "https://schema.org/ItemListOrderDescending", "numberOfItems" : 2 } ``` ```json { "@context" : [ "https://schema.org", { "@language" : "en-US" } ], "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-virtual-visits/#/blog/31488980035/post/155260489253", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Telehealth Telehealth is a broad term that encompasses a range of remote healthcare services. It refers to the use of technology to deliver healthcare services, including medical consultations, diagnoses, monitoring, education, and more. Telehealth leverages various communication tools, such as video conferencing, telephone calls, secure messaging, and even remote monitoring devices, to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth services extend beyond simple video consultations and allow for comprehensive healthcare delivery, including remote patient monitoring, electronic health record management, and even virtual collaborations among healthcare professionals. Telehealth enables healthcare providers to deliver care remotely, overcoming barriers of distance, time, and accessibility. Virtual Visits Virtual visits, on the other hand, specifically refer to remote medical consultations conducted via video conferencing or audio calls. Virtual visits are a subset of telehealth, focusing primarily on real-time video interactions between patients and healthcare providers. During a virtual visit, patients can discuss their symptoms, receive medical advice, obtain prescriptions, and follow-up on their treatment plans with healthcare professionals, all from the comfort of their own homes. While virtual visits typically involve live interactions, some healthcare providers may also offer asynchronous virtual visits, where patients provide their medical information and concerns through secure messaging platforms or pre-recorded video messages. The healthcare provider then reviews the information and responds with medical recommendations or guidance. Key Differences The primary difference between telehealth and virtual visits lies in their scope. Telehealth encompasses a broader range of remote healthcare services, including not only video consultations but also remote monitoring, education, and collaborative care. On the other hand, virtual visits specifically focus on real-time video or audio consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth often involves more extensive integration of technology, such as electronic health records and remote monitoring devices, to facilitate comprehensive care delivery. In contrast, virtual visits are more streamlined, with a primary focus on providing immediate medical consultations remotely. It's important to note that the terms telehealth and virtual visits are often used interchangeably in common parlance, and the precise definitions may vary depending on regional regulations and healthcare provider practices. However, understanding the underlying differences between these terms can help patients and healthcare professionals navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of remote healthcare services more effectively. Revolutionizing Healthcare Telehealth and virtual visits are terms that are often used interchangeably but have distinct differences in their scope and focus. While telehealth encompasses a broad range of remote healthcare services, virtual visits specifically refer to real-time video or audio consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Both telehealth and virtual visits have revolutionized the accessibility and convenience of healthcare, enabling patients to receive medical care remotely. By understanding these terms, patients can better navigate the world of remote healthcare and make informed decisions about their medical consultations. To learn more about Accuhealth and RPM, access the resources below. How to Set Up Your Remote Patient Monitoring System The Complete Guide to Remote Patient Monitoring If you are curious about CMS changes that may affect your practice, check this out.", "articleSection" : [ "Telehealth" ], "author" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/person/44630448247", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "David Medeiros", "url" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/blog/author/david-medeiros" }, "commentCount" : 0, "copyrightHolder" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/organization/logo/1", "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Accuhealth Technologies LLC" }, "copyrightNotice" : "Copyright © 2024 Accuhealth Technologies LLC", "copyrightYear" : "2024", "creator" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@id" : "https://www.accuhealth.tech/#/organization/logo/1", "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Accuhealth Technologies LLC" }, "dateCreated" : "2024-02-01T15:05:55+00:00", "dateModified" : "2025-03-10T19:04:15+00:00", "description" : "Discover what is the difference between telehealth and virtual visits. 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