The use of audio-video telehealth services has greatly expanded access to health care, especially during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth services may be provided through audio, text messaging, or video communication technology, including videoconferencing software. However, due to various factors such as internet access, broadband availability, disability, and cellular coverage, many individuals have difficulty accessing or using audio-video technology for telehealth services. 

Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released guidance on how health care providers and health plans who are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) can deliver audio-only telehealth services through land and wireless communications, as well as other remote communication technologies such as internet, videoconferencing, store-and-forward imaging, or streaming media, when such communications comply with HIPAA.