The use of telehealth has exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic, and with infection rates continuing into the fall and prospects of a vaccine still months away, it is likely that tele-medicine appointments will become a mainstay of patient care.
While the convenience and safety of telehealth is significant, some medical malpractice risks are associated with providing virtual consultations and diagnoses.
For example, a recent article highlighted some top concerns.
First, the use of technology to share patient information opens it up to the risk of data breaches, potentially exposing private health information.
Additionally, having examinations virtually rather than in person may increase the risk of misdiagnoses. Misdiagnoses/the failure to diagnose conditions is one of the leading causes of medical malpractice.
Further, software and other technological errors can cause errors in reporting. Mistakes in reporting may in turn lead to misdiagnosed conditions.
While telemedicine and the increased use of electronic records were intended to increase efficiencies and reduce errors, reporting mistakes, data corruption and other burdens of data entry can lead to serious, potential catastrophic medical consequences, such as medication errors, erroneous treatment protocols, and faulty diagnoses.
As a result, documentation, record keeping and follow-up are critical when providing virtual health care services.
While telehealth is convenient and here to stay - patient safety remains a top priority. Where the failure of doctors or other medical staff to provide proper medical care leads to patient harm, it may be possible to file a medical malpractice claim.
For more information, or if you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of medical negligence, whether from a Telehealth visit or in-person doctor visit, it is crucial you speak to a skilled Los Angeles medical malpractice attorney at once.
Please contact the dedicated Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson for an immediate consultation. We’re here to help.
