{"id":14895,"date":"2022-01-14T20:17:20","date_gmt":"2022-01-14T20:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/?p=14895"},"modified":"2025-09-09T14:27:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:27:54","slug":"understanding-synchronous-asynchronous-telehealth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/understanding-synchronous-asynchronous-telehealth\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Synchronous & Asynchronous Telehealth\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

When researching your options for telehealth and telehealth solutions, you will likely hear about the two forms of telehealth: synchronous and asynchronous. Understanding how these forms of telehealth differ and what makes each a worthwhile form to consider is critical to achieving the goals of your telehealth program. In this blog, we will define these forms of telehealth, explain some of their benefits, and then identify a few applications for each form.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Synchronous Telehealth<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) defines synchronous telehealth as live video-conferencing, which is a two-way audio-visual link between a patient and a care provider. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states synchronous telehealth requires the presence of both parties at the same time and a communication link between them that allows a real-time interaction to take place.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Asynchronous Telehealth<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

ONC defines asynchronous telehealth as store-and-forward video-conferencing, which is the transmission of recorded health history to a health practitioner, usually a specialist. VA states, asynchronous telehealth involves acquiring medical data, then transmitting this data to a doctor or medical specialist at a convenient time for assessment offline.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Advantages\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Synchronous telehealth provides timely care, especially in emergencies or urgent situations, and maintains the concept of the doctor-patient relationship by enabling a face-to-face analysis and treatment. The physician is able to see the patient, conduct, an examination and engage in conversation, much as the patient would in an office visit. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Synchronous audio-video telehealth consults resulted in short-term cost savings by diverting patients from more expensive care settings. Overall, synchronous telehealth models improve convenience, access, and efficiency of care by offering walk-in telehealth services.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

With asynchronous telehealth, patients can get timely specialty care without needing to travel beyond the location of their primary care providers. Wait times for specialty care are lessened, especially in areas with shortages of medical specialists. The store-and-forward process of asynchronous telehealth can overcome language and cultural barriers. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that compared blood pressure control and healthcare use between patients who received \u2018virtual visits\u2019 structured as asynchronous online interactions and typical hypertension care concludes, “Among patients with reasonably well-controlled hypertension, virtual visit participation was associated with equivalent blood pressure control and reduced in-office primary care utilization.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Applications\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Applications of synchronous telehealth include the following:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n