**Step 1: Introduction of the Concept** Digital equity refers to the fair and equal access to digital technologies, resources, and literacy skills necessary for all individuals to fully participate in society. In healthcare, digital equity ensures that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, geography, or demographic background, has the ability to access and benefit from telemedicine and other digital health services. --- **Step 2: How Telehealth Services Can Bridge Healthcare Disparities** Telehealth can bridge healthcare disparities by increasing access to medical care for underserved populations, such as those living in rural or remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with limited access to healthcare facilities. For example, as mentioned in the article, some community health centers implemented telemedicine platforms that allowed patients to consult with doctors without traveling long distances. This led to improved appointment attendance and timely medical interventions for those who might otherwise delay or forgo care. --- **Step 3: How Telehealth Services Can Exacerbate Healthcare Disparities** Conversely, telehealth can also worsen healthcare disparities if digital equity is not addressed. The article highlights how individuals without reliable internet access, appropriate devices, or digital literacy skills were unable to utilize telemedicine services. For instance, low-income families in urban areas and elderly patients struggled to connect with healthcare providers online, leading to gaps in care and worsening health outcomes compared to those with better digital resources. --- **Step 4: Final Summary (in very few sentences)** Telehealth has the potential to both reduce and widen healthcare disparities among underserved populations depending on the level of digital equity. Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure telemedicine benefits everyone. --- **Explanation of Each Step** In Step 1, we introduced the concept of digital equity and its importance in telemedicine. Step 2 explained how telehealth can help reduce disparities, with examples. Step 3 discussed how telehealth might worsen disparities without digital equity, using evidence from the article. Step 4 provided a concise summary, and then we briefly described the approach taken in each step.