Table 1.

Comparison of operation modes of main telemedicine operators in different countries.

Country	Platform	Operator	Insurance coverage (compared with offline)	Additional royalty	Involved diseasesa
China	FAHZUb Internet Hospital	Hospital	Consistent	Partlyc	Follow-up after diagnosis of common or chronic diseases
United Kingdom	NHSd App	Public body	Consistent	No	Determined by the GPe practice
United States	American Well	Company	Inconsistent	Yes	Acute and chronic conditions, consultations regarding prevention and wellness services
Japan	CLINICS	Company	Consistent	Yes	Follow-up after diagnosis of chronic diseases

^aDuring the COVID-19 epidemic, all countries except China expanded the scope of diagnosis and treatment, including the initial diagnosis of patients.

^bFirst Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University.

^cThere is an extra charge for the expert clinic and image-text consultation clinic.

^dNHS: National Health Service.

^eGP: general practitioner.