Page 19 - Part 1 Introduction to Telemedicine
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SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine
How do I comply with legal requirements when
communicating with patients at a distance?
The short answer is that providers need to be fully cognizant of
federal rules, the regulations in the state(s) where they are
licensed, and the regulations of each jurisdiction from which a
patient is communicating with them. Whether their
communications formally comprise telemedicine or are governed
by other liability frameworks is simply a detail. Providers also need
to be sure their professional liability insurance covers what they
are doing.
How do I minimize malpractice risk when treating
patients at a distance?
The standard of care requires a healthcare provider to exercise the
degree of reasonable care, skill and diligence as would ordinarily
be exercised by a similarly situated health care provider for a
similar patient under the same or similar circumstances. The
analysis of most adverse events associated with telemedicine will
begin with the question, “Was this a situation that could
reasonably be managed this way?”
How do I get paid for services rendered to patients at a
distance?
This question can be central to decisions about the role of
telemedicine for a given organization, but, the multiplicity and
volatility of payer policies and strategic solutions make it
impossible for this article to give detailed guidance.
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