What does 'telemedicine' refer to?

Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunications technology to provide clinical health care remotely. This can include virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers, the transmission of medical information such as images or lab results, and the monitoring of patients through digital devices. The primary goal of telemedicine is to enhance patient access to care, especially for those in remote or underserved areas, thereby eliminating barriers related to distance and providing timely medical advice and treatment.

The other options do not accurately define telemedicine. While a travel plan for patients in rural areas and health education outreach programs are important aspects of healthcare access and education, they do not encompass the technological component that telemedicine specifically involves. Similarly, an insurance policy for electronic records pertains to coverage of healthcare services and data protection rather than the direct delivery of healthcare through technology.