Telehealth Malpractice: The Hidden Risks of Virtual Healthcare

Telehealth has transformed the way Americans access medical care, offering patients the convenience of consulting with doctors from the comfort of their homes.

However, while telehealth offers numerous benefits, these quick and convenient modes of healthcare are not without risks. Medical errors, misdiagnoses, and lack of proper care in virtual appointments can have serious consequences. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we want to ensure that patients understand their rights and the potential pitfalls of telehealth malpractice. If you or a loved one are ever affected by telehealth malpractice, you can contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

The Advantages of Telehealth

Telehealth services have gained widespread acceptance, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical access to healthcare for millions, especially those whose impairments may limit their ability to access traditional healthcare facilities. 

Some of the key benefits include:

Convenience and Accessibility

Patients can see a doctor without the hassle of traveling to a medical facility. This is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, individuals in rural areas, and those with busy schedules.

Reduced Exposure to Illness

By consulting with doctors remotely, patients avoid waiting rooms where they could be exposed to contagious diseases.

Time and Cost Savings

Virtual appointments often cost less than in-person visits and eliminate travel expenses, reducing the financial burden on patients.

Increased Access to Specialists

Telehealth allows patients to connect with specialists who may not be available locally, ensuring they receive expert opinions and care.

While these advantages make telehealth an attractive option, there are also significant downsides that patients should be aware of.

The Risks of Telehealth Malpractice

Telehealth, despite its benefits, presents unique challenges that can compromise patient care. Below are some of the primary concerns.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Without an in-person examination, doctors may miss critical symptoms, leading to incorrect or delayed diagnoses. Certain conditions, such as infections, fractures, or neurological disorders, require physical exams or diagnostic tests that virtual visits cannot provide.

Limited Ability to Perform Physical Exams

A major limitation of telehealth is the inability to conduct hands-on physical examinations. Some conditions require direct assessment, palpation, or testing that a video call simply cannot replicate. As a result, serious health issues may go unnoticed.

Technology-Related Errors

Technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection, audio or video failures, and glitches in telehealth platforms, can lead to incomplete consultations. Miscommunication between patient and provider due to these issues can result in harmful medical mistakes.

Prescription Errors

Telehealth doctors may prescribe medications without a full understanding of a patient’s medical history. Without proper monitoring, there is a higher risk of prescribing the wrong medication or failing to catch potential drug interactions.

Lack of Continuity of Care

Telehealth services, especially those offered by on-demand providers, may not integrate well with a patient’s regular healthcare records. If a patient switches providers frequently, important medical history and previous treatments may be overlooked, leading to fragmented care.

Informed Consent and Patient Rights Issues

Patients may not always be fully informed about the limitations of telehealth before a virtual appointment. When something goes wrong, they may not realize they have legal options to hold negligent providers accountable.

Telehealth and Virtual Care: Understanding Liability

A telehealthcare provider's primary duty is to evaluate a patient's specific condition and determine if their health requires an in-person evaluation rather than virtual care. 

If the healthcare provider fails to recommend a necessary in-person evaluation and instead attempts to remotely evaluate a patient’s health issues, it could lead to a missed opportunity to detect, diagnose, and treat a very serious condition. 

If you feel that your health issues should have been evaluated in person rather than through telemedicine—and that such a decision resulted in injury or death to you or a loved one, please contact Morgan & Morgan today.

What to Do if You Experience Telehealth Malpractice

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, prescription error, or any form of negligence in a telehealth setting, you may have legal options. Telehealth providers are still held to the same standard of care as traditional doctors. When they fail to meet that standard, they can be held accountable.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight for patients who have been victims of medical malpractice, including cases involving telehealth. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine if you have a case and seek the compensation you deserve.

If you believe you have experienced telehealth malpractice, don’t wait. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. We’re here to ensure that no matter where or how you receive medical care, your rights are protected.