Synchronous telehealth is care delivered live, in real time — typically via video or phone — with the patient and provider interacting simultaneously. It is the modality most people associate with the word "telehealth."
How it differs from asynchronous
Synchronous is conversational; asynchronous is reviewable. Synchronous fits behavioral health, complex new conditions, sensitive conversations. Asynchronous fits volume-driven workflows where structured intake is reliable.
What the workflow has to handle
Reliable real-time connection, identity verification, in-visit documentation, prescribing during the visit, post-visit follow-up. The platform decides whether the visit is an isolated event or part of a continuous record.
