Which limitation is commonly associated with telemedicine?

• A. In-person-only billing.
• B. Unlimited access to technology.
• C. No need for consent.
• D. Privacy concerns.

Answer: (D)

Protecting patient privacy in digital communications is a major limitation of telemedicine. When care is delivered remotely, sensitive health information is transmitted over networks and stored in electronic systems, which creates risks of unauthorized access, data breaches, or eavesdropping if platforms aren’t secure or if devices or networks aren’t used privately. To reduce these risks, providers rely on encrypted platforms, strong authentication, strict access controls, and clear consent about who can view data and how it’s shared. Privacy concerns can affect patient trust and willingness to use telemedicine, making privacy safeguards a central challenge in implementation. Other statements don’t fit as well: billing can often be done for telemedicine; access to technology isn’t unlimited in practice; and some form of consent is generally required or documented.