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Electronic stethoscopes enhance traditional auscultation by amplifying body sounds and converting them into digital signals that can be heard locally, stored for later review, or transmitted live during telehealth visits. This makes them especially valuable in remote care, where clinicians can assess heart, lung, and other sounds in real time or asynchronously.

Why This Guide Matters

While audio-only visits expanded access during the COVID-19 public health emergency, video remains the dominant format for telehealth encounters nationwide. Video enables visual assessment, nonverbal communication, and stronger clinical context—elements that are essential for quality care but highly sensitive to technology performance.