Telemedicine refers to the provision of remote clinical services, via real-time two-way communication between the patient and the healthcare provider, using electronic audio and visual means.

Benefits of telemedicine
Telemedicine requires no significant outlay other than a web camera and a secure patient portal that connects the doctor to a secured electronic medical record database online. This type of system ensures the safety of the private information discussed during a telemedicine call, while also providing the treating clinician with the ability to store necessary medical records. In addition to these required devices, the physician will also require a medical license that has been provided by the same state where the patient receives will receive their prescription.
Those who support the use of telemedicine point to its convenience, reduced waiting times, expanded access to high-quality medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as its lower cost as compared to most other medical consultations. In addition, the ready availability of patient records online has the potential to make patient prescriptions more reliable and accurate.
By providing second opinions more easily and faster, telemedicine can also make the patient and physician experience better. Finally, it produces improved health outcomes, which should be the primary goal of all health services