Page 39 - Part 1 Introduction to Telemedicine

SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine

 Is the algorithm used by the patient’s diabetes advisor based

on current guidelines?

These are the kinds of questions that might be asked in a legal

deposition.

While a few systems (like lab equipment and medical imaging

viewers) are subject to FDA standards, most conferencing

platforms are consumer quality. Networks notoriously vary in
speed and bandwidth. Transmission quality is subject to

environmental variables like data load and weather. Device failures
and data interruptions are normal events.

For unregulated applications, the phrase, “Wild West” should be

kept in mind. There is certainly no doubt about the potential
usefulness of connecting patients (and their physiology) to doctors

electronically. However, analogous to caring for patients who take
unregulated nutritional supplements or who use alternative

medicine, providers have an obligation either to become familiar

with the specific apps in question or to exercise due diligence in
relying on them for medical decision making or treatment. It is

likely that consumer-managed health applications will increasingly
become certified by trusted organizations, and supplied by trusted

vendors.

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