Related Terms
Telehealth
Telemedicine
See Also
Many practices pair store-and-forward with live video visits. See how practices set up telemedicine
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Category Core: Telehealth
Reading time: 1 min
Updated: Nov 2026
Asynchronous Telehealth
Definition
Asynchronous telehealth, also called store-and-forward, is remote care in which the patient and provider exchange information at different times instead of meeting live.
Why the distinction matters
The patient or referring clinician sends photos, forms, recordings, or readings, and the provider reviews them later and responds. Nobody needs to be online together.
That makes it useful for specialties that work from images or data, like dermatology, radiology, and ophthalmology.
It fits around a provider's day. A dermatologist can review a batch of rash photos between visits instead of holding a 15-minute video slot for each one.
It also helps patients who can't join a live visit because of work hours or weak internet. Payer rules for store-and-forward differ from live video, so billing needs a check first.
Example
A patient notices a new mole. She fills out a short form and uploads two photos through a secure link. That afternoon, the dermatologist reviews the images and replies with a plan: watch it and send new photos in six weeks, or book an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked
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What's an example of asynchronous telehealth?
A patient sends photos of a skin concern, and a dermatologist reviews them and replies later the same day.
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What's the difference between synchronous and asynchronous telehealth?
Synchronous care happens live, like a video visit. Asynchronous care happens at different times, like reviewing uploaded photos.
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Is asynchronous telehealth HIPAA-compliant?
It can be, when images and forms are sent through a secure, encrypted tool covered by a BAA.