What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to the practice of providing healthcare services remotely, using technology to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals. This encompasses various forms of communication, such as video calls, phone calls, and messaging, allowing patients to receive consultations, follow-up care, and other medical services without needing to be physically present in a healthcare facility.

The key aspect of telemedicine is its focus on remote consultations, which enhances accessibility to care for patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas. It enables timely medical advice and interventions while reducing the barriers to care created by distance or mobility issues. This approach has gained significant importance, especially in circumstances where traditional in-person visits may not be feasible or safe, such as during public health emergencies or for individuals with chronic illnesses.

In contrast, the other options refer to traditional methods of healthcare delivery that involve direct, face-to-face interactions, and do not capture the essence of telemedicine.