The search by consumers, payers and providers for more efficient, effective and convenient care delivery models has led to an explosion of technological innovation in the health care sector. This explosion has supported the increased use of telemedicine by providers to reach patients who were previously out of reach, and to provide more timely and cost-effective care.
With the use of telemedicine technologies comes a responsibility on the part of providers to educate and inform patients on the benefits, and more importantly, on the risks associated with receiving care via telemedicine. Like any other care setting, compliance with this responsibility serves the dual purpose of providing consumers with the information needed to make an informed decision about their care, but also mitigates the provider’s potential liability exposure from medical malpractice claims.