The Role of Medical Malpractice Insurance in Telemedicine

Telemedicine can offer convenient and accessible opportunities for patients and medical professionals alike. These services can help provide essential care in a remote environment, potentially representing valuable options for those in remote areas or with limited transportation and mobility. However, telemedicine has also impacted the medical industry’s general risks and exposures, necessitating consideration of how these new developments may impact medical malpractice insurance.

What Is Medical Malpractice Insurance?

Medical malpractice insurance is a specialized form of professional liability insurance, which may also be known as errors and omissions insurance. These policies are generally intended to financially protect health care professionals and businesses against lawsuits and claims of medical errors, misdiagnoses or other inadequacies that adversely impact patients. In response to such situations, policies may help pay for legal fees, including attorney costs, settlements and judgments.

How Does My Coverage Apply to Telehealth Services?

If you’re a health care provider or own a business offering telemedical services, you should make sure you have an exhaustive understanding of how such treatment options may function in relation to your medical malpractice coverage. Specifically, be mindful of the following aspects of your insurance:

• Policy inclusions—You should be certain that your policy does not exclude telehealth services, as some carriers may require endorsements for such coverage.

• Jurisdictional issues—Medical malpractice insurance is often legally mandated, but exact requirements may vary. Since telemedicine may be conducted across state lines, you should make sure you have appropriate coverage for all relevant jurisdictions.

• Standard of care—Your telehealth services typically must meet the same standard of care as traditional, in-person care. Check that your medical malpractice policy includes coverage for allegations of failing to uphold this duty.

By understanding your policy’s coverage and knowing if it includes telehealth services, you can confidently provide remote care while safeguarding your practice’s financial interests.

We’re Here to Help

Contact Paris-Kirwan Insurance & Associates in Rochester, New York, today to learn more about medical malpractice coverage and its role in telemedicine.

Skip Pleninger

President Medical Insurance Division

Paris-Kirwan Associates Inc

skipp@paris-kirwan.com

Cell: 917-566-3056

Office: 585-461-6427

800-724-2627

www.paris-kirwan.com

https://calendly.com/skipp-pariis-kirwan

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.