Page 15 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part Two

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

One way to ensure that the telemedicine consent is consistent

and comprehensive for every patient is to develop a template or
macro. Even when there is a signed or electronically

acknowledged consent, particularly for new patients or existing
patients who are new to telemedicine, it is good practice to

verbally go over the unique risks and considerations of
telemedicine before the assessment portion of the encounter

begins. Before the visit begins, patients should be provided the
opportunity to have any questions or concerns addressed. For

example, a patient could be requested to verbally confirm to the
consent by asking these questions:

• Do you understand the benefits and

risks of telemedicine?

• Do you have any questions before we

proceed?

• Do you wish to continue with this

telemedicine visit?

Additionally, it is good practice, and in some states it is required,

for the physician to disclose his or her name, the current and

primary practice location, and the medical degree. Likewise,
the patient should be asked to disclose his or her current
location. Some states affirmatively require that the provider

ask where the patient is located at the time of the virtual visit.

Even in the absence of such a requirement, it is important to
know where your patient is located at the time of the visit in
order to determine whether the laws (including licensure) and

regulations of another state may apply to the encounter, or if the

standard of care may be different based on the patient’s current
location.

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