Disclosed embodiments include a telemedicine communication system designed to make possible “virtual” patient visits by approved visitors such as the spouse, family, and friends of the hospitalized patient having the appropriate digital certificate and visitation/communication permissions. According to one embodiment, the system enables relatives to visit hospitalized patients using audiovisual communication modalities selected according to the severity and health status of the patient. Additionally, the system provides functionality to enable approved relatives to follow the health status of the patient according to their permissions.