What is the purpose of telehealth in the healthcare system?

• A. To increase accessibility and continuity of care
• B. To replace all in-person visits
• C. To decrease patient satisfaction
• D. To complicate scheduling

Answer: (A)

Telehealth is designed to expand access to healthcare and keep care ongoing even when patients can’t be physically present. By enabling remote consultations, follow-ups, and remote monitoring, it makes it easier for people—especially those in rural or underserved areas, with mobility limits, or tight schedules—to connect with clinicians and receive timely advice and management. This supports continuity of care, helping patients stay engaged with their treatment plan between in-person visits. It’s not meant to replace every in-person encounter—some assessments, exams, or procedures require you to be there in person. When used well, telehealth can boost patient satisfaction by reducing travel time, wait times, and the burden of schedules, though satisfaction can vary. It also aims to simplify scheduling and care coordination, rather than create more complexity, though effective use depends on good technology, privacy, and clear workflows.