What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers to the provision of medical services over spatial distance using digital communication technologies. Instead of appearing personally in a doctor's office, consultation takes place via video, chat or structured questionnaire.
In Germany, telemedicine has gained enormous importance since the loosening of the long-distance treatment ban in 2018 and has been strengthened by digitalization in healthcare. In the meantime, millions of Germans regularly use telemedical offers for a variety of concerns.
The term includes various forms: from the pure teleconsultation between the patient and the doctor, through teleradiology to teletherapy. Especially relevant for patients is the direct doctor-patient communication, which in many cases can replace a classic practice visit.
