Page 22 - Part 2 Introduction to Telemedicine

SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine

situation amounts to what a bank teller knows: Every action they

take during their workday is available to an investigator on tape.
This potential for public disclosure is a new culture for

practitioners to deal with. It contrasts sharply with the old culture
of privacy in the examining room and has far-reaching implications

for how doctors and patients relate to each other.

Limits of Insurance Coverage
Traditional professional liability (malpractice) insurance covers

most usual allegations of medical negligence in standard settings,

but it may explicitly exclude from coverage, or require additional
riders to cover claims arising from telemedicine. It is critical for

practitioners who plan to treat patients at a distance review their

insurance policies.

Opting Out

It should be clear to patients that they have the right to opt out of

telemedical care, just as they have the right to decline other
modalities.

Abandonment

A part of the disclosure and agreement process with telemedicine
patients should be some notice that access to telemedicine

modalities is not necessarily guaranteed.

Referrals, Handoffs and Transitions

Providers tend to be acquainted with local specialists, pharmacies
and hospitals, as well as geographic factors that weigh on

recommendations about referrals and transitions. Making poor
referrals, or failing to make good ones, can create liability. Caring

for patients in other cities, states or countries means additional
effort must be put into helping patients find appropriate services

and resources in their own locales.

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