Which patient group primarily benefits from the increased access provided by telehealth?

Telehealth significantly enhances access to healthcare for Veterans in rural or underserved areas, which is the primary benefit of this technology. Many Veterans live far from medical facilities, making it challenging to receive timely care. Telehealth bridges this gap by allowing them to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel time and expenses associated with in-person visits.

Rural areas often experience shortages of healthcare professionals, leading to delays in receiving necessary medical attention. Telehealth alleviates this issue by facilitating timely access to specialists and primary care providers who may not be physically present in these regions. For many Veterans, this means improved continuity of care and management of chronic conditions that might otherwise go unaddressed due to geographic barriers.

In contrast, locally situated patients or those in urban populations typically have easier access to healthcare facilities and providers. The same applies to patients requiring only emergency care, who may benefit less from telehealth since urgent situations often necessitate immediate in-person intervention. Thus, while various groups can benefit from telehealth, the most pronounced advantages are experienced by Veterans living in rural or underserved areas.