Videoconsult

Videoconsult refers to a remote, real-time consultation conducted via video between a client and a professional, typically in healthcare but also in other advisory services. The session aims to evaluate, advise, or manage an issue without an in-person visit, relying on live video, audio, and shared digital information.

In healthcare, videoconsult is a core component of telemedicine or telehealth. It is used for primary care triage, follow-up visits, mental health counseling, chronic disease management, and specialty consultations. Beyond medicine, videoconsult can support legal aid, financial advice, and educational guidance delivered via secure video platforms.

A typical videoconsult workflow includes scheduling, verifying the participant's identity, obtaining informed consent, conducting the video encounter, documenting the visit, and arranging follow-up or referrals. The clinical examination is limited to what can be assessed remotely, and practitioners may request in-person tests or visits when necessary.

Benefits include improved access for people in rural or underserviced areas, reduced travel time and costs, safer care during infectious disease outbreaks, and potential efficiency gains for providers and systems.

Challenges involve privacy and data protection, ensuring compliant and secure platforms, consent and record-keeping, digital literacy and equipment access, and variations in reimbursement, licensure, and cross-border practice.

Regulation typically covers patient privacy, data security, professional standards, and billing rules, with examples including HIPAA in the United States and GDPR in Europe. Guidelines emphasize informed consent, documentation quality, and safeguarding the patient–practitioner relationship.

The use of videoconsult expanded rapidly during health emergencies and has become integrated in many health systems with ongoing evaluation of quality, equity, and impact on outcomes.