Telehealth has made healthcare more accessible for individuals, allowing them greater flexibility in choosing their medical care. While telemedicine offers convenience, it also presents specific challenges that can lead to telehealth medical malpractice. Many people wonder, “Is telehealth safe?”
Familiarizing yourself with the most common telehealth negligence examples is essential for patients and healthcare providers, as it can help prioritize health and safety while enjoying the benefits of telemedicine.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are among the top critical telemedicine malpractice risks. Without in-person evaluations, healthcare providers may overlook critical symptoms due to:
- Limitations in Assessing Physical Symptoms Remotely – Providers are not able to observe patients physically and must rely on patient descriptions and potentially low-quality video for symptom assessment, which can impact accuracy.
- Failure to Order Necessary Tests or In-Person Evaluations – Providers cannot perform physical examinations to feel for masses or bumps. Some conditions require diagnostic tests or physical exams that telehealth cannot provide. Doctors may fail to order necessary tests or follow up with patients after telehealth visits.
- Increased Risk of Overlooking Serious Conditions – Virtual care may fail to detect life-threatening conditions, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment.
Technical and Communication Errors
The success of telehealth depends on technology. When technical failures or communication issues arise, patients may suffer due to errors such as:
- Poor Video or Audio Quality Affecting Communication – Glitches and poor connections may prevent accurate communication, leading to misunderstandings or missed information.
- Misinterpretation of Symptoms Due to Lack of Physical Examination – Without an in-person assessment, telehealth providers may misjudge the severity of symptoms or overlook physical cues.
- Issues with Electronic Medical Records Leading to Mistakes – Errors in digital records, such as incorrect patient information or incomplete histories, can lead to improper treatment decisions.
Prescription Errors
Telehealth services also increase the risk of prescription mistakes, which can drastically impact patient safety. These errors often result from a lack of direct oversight and incomplete patient data. Common issues include:
- Issuing the Wrong Medication or Incorrect Dosage – Without thorough review, virtual consultations can result in prescribing errors that endanger patient health.
- Failing to Review Patient History for Drug Interactions or Allergies – Limited access to a patient’s complete medical record can result in harmful drug combinations or allergic reactions.
- Delays in Processing E-Prescriptions Affecting Treatment – Technical issues or miscommunication can slow the delivery of necessary medications, delaying critical care.
Inadequate Follow-Up Care
Proper follow-up care is essential for patient recovery, but telehealth can make ongoing monitoring challenging. Without appropriate follow-up, serious conditions may worsen. This problem typically arises in these ways:
- Lack of Proper Monitoring After Initial Diagnosis – Patients may not receive regular check-ins to track their condition and adjust treatments.
- Failure to Provide Timely Referrals for Specialized Treatment – Delays in referring patients to specialists can prevent timely intervention for complex medical issues.
- Missed Opportunities to Catch Worsening Conditions – Without consistent follow-up, subtle changes in a patient’s health may not be noticed until the condition becomes severe and, in extreme cases, fatal.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Telehealth offers convenience, but the consequences can be life-altering when medical negligence occurs. When you suffer harm due to malpractice, you need an experienced lawyer to explain your legal options and pursue the compensation you need. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we’re aware of the potential for damage to your health presented by telemedicine malpractice, which is why we’re committed to fighting for your rights, health, and well-being.
Call today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
