How Async Telehealth Works — and Why It's Different
Most people associate telehealth with video appointments — a scheduled call with a provider. Async telehealth works differently, and for many conditions it's actually more thorough.
Most people associate telehealth with video appointments — a scheduled call with a provider. Async telehealth works differently, and for many conditions it's actually more thorough.
What is async telehealth?
Asynchronous (async) telehealth means you and your provider don't need to be online at the same time. You complete a detailed health intake — answering questions about your symptoms, health history, medications, goals, and lifestyle. Your provider reviews everything on their schedule and responds with a clinical assessment.
Why it can be better
A typical in-person or video appointment lasts 7–15 minutes. In that time, it's hard to cover everything. With async intake, you have time to think carefully about your answers, look things up, and provide a complete picture. Your provider can review it without time pressure.
What happens after your intake?
A licensed provider reviews your intake within 24–48 hours. If treatment is appropriate, a prescription is sent to a licensed pharmacy and shipped to your door. If the provider needs more information, they'll follow up.
When is async telehealth not appropriate?
Async telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies, acute illness, or conditions requiring physical examination. It works best for ongoing management of chronic or hormonal conditions where a thorough history is more valuable than a real-time exam.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Quick answers
- What is async telehealth?
- Asynchronous (async) telehealth means you and your provider don't need to be online at the same time. You complete a detailed health intake — answering questions about your symptoms, health history, medications, goals, and lifestyle. Your provider reviews everything on their schedule and responds with a clinical assessment.
- Why it can be better
- A typical in-person or video appointment lasts 7–15 minutes. In that time, it's hard to cover everything. With async intake, you have time to think carefully about your answers, look things up, and provide a complete picture. Your provider can review it without time pressure.
- What happens after your intake?
- A licensed provider reviews your intake within 24–48 hours. If treatment is appropriate, a prescription is sent to a licensed pharmacy and shipped to your door. If the provider needs more information, they'll follow up.
- When is async telehealth not appropriate?
- Async telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies, acute illness, or conditions requiring physical examination. It works best for ongoing management of chronic or hormonal conditions where a thorough history is more valuable than a real-time exam. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current care.