What is required of physicians practicing telemedicine?

Physicians practicing telemedicine are required to obtain informed consent from their patients. This is essential because informed consent ensures that patients are fully aware of how telemedicine works, the nature of the services provided, potential risks, and alternatives to the proposed telemedicine consultation. It empowers patients to make educated decisions about their healthcare, which aligns with both ethical and legal standards in medicine.

Informed consent is particularly important in telemedicine, where the lack of in-person interaction can lead to misunderstandings about the treatment process and limitations. This requirement helps to ensure that the patient-physician relationship is based on mutual understanding and respect, which is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.

In contrast, other options do not align with the legal and ethical standards governing telemedicine practice. For instance, physicians must adhere to the same standards of care as in-person visits, maintain patient confidentiality rigorously, and typically cannot charge more based solely on the nature of the service—these practices help ensure equity and trust in the patient care process.