In the context of healthcare technology, what is an essential benefit of telehealth?

In the context of healthcare technology, the essential benefit of telehealth is its ability to increase accessibility to medical care for patients. Telehealth leverages digital technology to provide health-related services remotely, which allows patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas, to access medical advice, consultations, and follow-ups without the need to travel long distances to a healthcare facility. This increased accessibility can improve patient outcomes by facilitating timely care and allowing individuals who might face barriers such as transportation issues or scheduling conflicts to receive health services more conveniently.

Other options do not represent core benefits of telehealth. Reducing travel for healthcare professionals may be a secondary benefit but is not primarily the focus of telehealth's purpose. Higher costs are generally contrary to the goals of telehealth, which aims to provide cost-effective solutions, and limiting medical consultations to office hours contradicts the flexibility that telehealth offers, allowing for care at various times that may suit patients’ needs better.