A projected benefit of telemedicine or telehealth is that it may:
A.
Increase the number of hospital visits by patients.
B.
Reduce the expense of healthcare costs.
C.
Improve the quality of present care.
D.
Improve the quality of present care and reduce the expense of healthcare costs.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D. Improve the quality of present care and reduce the expense of healthcare costs.
Explanation:
Telemedicine and telehealth have gained prominence as significant advancements in healthcare, offering several benefits that can enhance both the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services. Here’s how they achieve these benefits:
1. Improving Quality of Care:
Telemedicine enables healthcare professionals to provide timely medical consultations and follow-up care remotely. This can lead to improved continuity of care, as patients can receive regular check-ups without the need for physical visits to the clinic or hospital. For chronic conditions, telehealth platforms allow for continuous monitoring and early intervention, which can prevent complications and hospitalizations. Additionally, telemedicine can provide access to specialists who may not be locally available, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care tailored to their specific needs.
2. Reducing Healthcare Costs:
Telehealth can significantly lower healthcare costs in several ways. First, it reduces the need for physical infrastructure and resources, such as office space and administrative staff, which can lower operational expenses for healthcare providers. Patients benefit from reduced travel costs and time off work, which can decrease indirect costs associated with healthcare. Furthermore, by facilitating early diagnosis and management of conditions, telemedicine can reduce the incidence of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, leading to overall cost savings. It also helps in managing patient populations more efficiently, optimizing resource utilization.
By leveraging telemedicine, healthcare systems can not only enhance the quality of care provided but also make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly in underserved areas. This dual benefit makes telemedicine a promising solution in addressing some of the key challenges in modern healthcare.