LSAT Explanation PT 34, S3, Q7: Dr. Jones: The new technology dubbed

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is a point at issue between Dr. Jones and Dr. Carabella? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we have two doctors presenting their views on telemedicine. Dr. Jones believes that telemedicine will provide sustained improvement in at least rural patient care, as it allows rural physicians to televise medical examinations to specialists who live far away. This is the premise, and the conclusion is that rural patients will benefit from the advice they would not otherwise receive.

Dr. Carabella, on the other hand, disagrees and believes that telemedicine might help rural patient care initially, but it will eventually lead to fewer patients receiving traditional, direct medical examinations as small hospitals replace physicians with technicians. This is the premise, and the conclusion is that both rural and urban patient care will suffer in the long run.

The question type is a Disagree question, and we are asked to identify the point at issue between Dr. Jones and Dr. Carabella.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) whether medical specialists in general offer better advice than rural physicians

- This answer choice is not supported by the passage, as neither doctor implies that medical specialists offer "better" advice.

b) whether telemedicine technology will be installed only in rural hospitals and rural medical centers

- This answer choice is unsupported, as the term "only" is extreme and not mentioned in the passage.

c) whether telemedicine is likely to be widely adopted in rural areas in future years

- This answer choice is unsupported, as neither doctor addresses the likelihood of adoption.

d) whether the patients who most need the advice of medical specialists are likely to receive it through telemedicine

- This answer choice is unsupported, as neither doctor differentiates "the patients who most need advice."

e) whether the technology of telemedicine will benefit rural patients in the long run

- This is the correct answer. Dr. Jones believes in sustained improvement for rural patients, while Dr. Carabella sees only initial help followed by a decline in personal attention for patients.

In summary, the point at issue between Dr. Jones and Dr. Carabella is whether the technology of telemedicine will benefit rural patients in the long run. Dr. Jones believes it will provide sustained improvement, while Dr. Carabella thinks it will only help initially but eventually lead to a decline in patient care.