Abstract: A computer-based remote visual monitoring system is provided for in-home patient health care from a remote location via ordinary telephone lines. The system includes a supervisory control center having access to patient and health care professional databases for assigning patients to appropriate health care professionals and for performing task planning. A number of master monitoring computers are linked to the control center and are accessible by a corresponding number of health care professionals. A slave monitoring computer is located within the homes of a plurality of patients and may be linked via telephone modems to any of the master monitoring computers. Audio/visual equipment at both locations permits real-time two-way communications during an "in-home" visit to a patient by a health care professional from a remote location.