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Risk Matters: Telemedicine

Governmental shelter-in-place orders and the need to avoid unnecessary physical contact driven by the coronavirus pandemic have caused many providers and patients to suddenly turn to the virtual world to provide and receive care.  While this has generally been good for the healthcare system and patient safety, telemedicine is not an appropriate modality for all clinical presentations. Some medical issues cannot be resolved over the phone, or even with video, and require an in-person visit. The physician must have enough information to form an opinion about treating the patient; optimally, the provider will either have relevant medical records or be able to obtain information during the telemedicine encounter. If not, or if the medical issue is one that cannot be resolved via telemedicine, the physician should refer the patient for an in-person encounter and advise them of the next steps.  Delivering healthcare through telemedicine requires the same compliance with the standard of care, as well as applicable laws and regulations, as in the treatment of patients in the traditional setting.

About The Author

Jeffrey A. Woods is the Risk and Practice Management Senior Attorney at SVMIC. Jeff received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee Martin and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Following graduation, he practiced law in Knoxville for almost 15 years, advising physicians and healthcare providers and defending them in malpractice claims. He is licensed to practice in Tennessee and all Federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association.

Jeff joined SVMIC in 2003 and was a Senior Claims Attorney until 2015 when he transferred to his current position.

The contents of The Sentinel are intended for educational/informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Policyholders are urged to consult with their personal attorney for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state and/or change over time.

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