What is Teleconsultation?
Teleconsultation is a medical consultation delivered remotely by video, audio or text, governed in India by the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines first issued in 2020, read with current NMC rules. Hospitals use it for follow-ups, second opinions, pre-visit assessment and patients in distant towns. Doctors must follow rules on identity, consent, records and prescribing limits.
Why it matters for hospitals
Teleconsultation widens a hospital’s catchment and makes follow-up easy, but it works only when booking, payment and the call itself run smoothly. It is often the first contact for patients travelling from smaller cities.
How to put it into practice
- Offer teleconsultation clearly on doctor pages with fees, slots and how the call works.
- Use it for follow-ups and second opinions, where it adds most value.
- Check the current telemedicine guidelines on consent, records and prescribing.
- Build a path from teleconsult to in-person visit or admission when needed.
- Track teleconsult conversion to OPD and IPD by source.
The common mistake
Launching a teleconsult service without doctor time blocked for it, so calls start late and patients lose trust.
An illustrative example
A hospital gave each oncologist two fixed teleconsult slots a week for patients from other cities. Second opinions rose and more patients travelled in for treatment. (Composite example, not a specific hospital.)
Related terms
Further reading
Part of the healthcare growth and digital glossary. Last reviewed 7 October 2026.