Last year, many people began relying on digital health care services to meet their medical needs. Some have been using telemedicine for years. Having the ability to obtain a diagnosis and treatment advice over the Internet is convenient, but it is not without medical malpractice risks.
If you are still utilizing telemedicine appointments for your health care needs, you should make sure you understand these risks.
3 ways medical malpractice can occur online
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, there are several ways malpractice could arise in digital environments.
- Limited physical contact between physicians and patients could lead to misdiagnosis.
- Limitations with software or glitches in Internet servers may also contribute to misdiagnosis.
- Data breaches may put patients’ personal and protected information at risk.
The AMA Code of Medical Ethics outlines several methods that doctors can use to reduce malpractice in online health care environments. For example, physicians should inform patients about the limitations that are associated with telemedicine. It also recommends that doctors educate patients on how to receive necessary follow-up care after digital appointments.
When you have health care concerns, consider whether telemedicine can solve your problems or if you should make an in-person visit. If you have a minor cold or routine back pain, a telehealth appointment may not cause any additional health care concerns. However, if you expect that your condition is complicated, you may be better off seeing a doctor face-to-face.
Learning more about Florida medical malpractice and the limitations associated with telemedicine is also a good way to protect yourself and your loved ones from malpractice.