Consumer Services

Ask the Advocate

By Leonard Elias, Esq.
Miami-Dade Consumer Advocate

Is Telemedicine Right for Me?
The Internet is changing the way consumers interact with the healthcare system. Patients can be examined, monitored and treated outside the physical boundaries of the doctor's office through the use of videoconferencing and computer equipment. Although this technology sounds futuristic, telemedicine has actually made it possible for doctors to once again bring back the old-fashioned house call visit. Nevertheless, consumers should beware of issues associated with the practice.

Tele is a Greek word meaning "distance "and Mederi is a Latin word meaning "to heal." Thus, telemedicine is the practice of medicine over distance through the use of computers and telecommunications.

Telemedicine is great for people who can't get to an office or who have to travel a distance to get the help they need. This saves precious time and expense both from the doctor's and patient's standpoint. Computers have made it possible to receive an instantaneous diagnosis by primary doctors and specialty experts without ever having to leave your house. 

But there are drawbacks that people need to know about, like the fact that many states will not allow out-of-state physicians to practice medicine unless they are licensed in that particular state. Florida Medical Practice Act requires that "electronic-communications diagnostic imaging or treatment services" be ordered by a Florida-licensed physician if they are to be rendered on a Florida patient. Also, make sure that your insurance covers this procedure.

Because there is a lack of hands-on interaction with patients, a virtual office visit might not be for you. There are times when it is necessary for a doctor to detect symptoms through actual touch, feel and smell sensory perceptions, using a rubber hammer, pin, cotton swab, or feather test to check your reflexes. Sometimes it is necessary to rely on senses to properly diagnose and treat a patient Information transmitted over the computer might not be sufficient due to poor resolution of images.

Along with medical information, patients must supply doctors with personal and private information. This data might be subject to a breach of privacy through cookies and spyware. Consumers must also keep computer security programs up-to-date to prevent their information from getting into the wrong hands.    

All in all, telemedicine has made it possible for consumers to have a personal diagnosis system through the computer. Doctors are able to monitor a patient's health status on a daily basis without the patient having to visit the office. Patients can even send a text message to the doctor when they are not feeling well. This immediate notification avoids having to leave a message with an answering service.

Telemedicine clearly has the potential of providing improved access to medical care, but you should always ask questions and study up on the process to make sure it's right for you.

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