Medicolegal Hazards in the Information Age: Malpractice and More
Douglas Mossman, MD, University of Cincinnati
Dr. Mossman began by answering the question, “What should I do if a patient ‘friended’ me on Facebook?” Such online relationships can blur boundaries or risk breaching confidentiality, therefore medical organizations recommend ignoring a friend request. Telemedicine via Skype is cost effective and enhances outreach to patients in rural areas or who cannot travel to the office, but online clinical encounters lack multidimensional aspects of the interpersonal encounter and might not be HIPAA compliant. E-mail carries some of the same concerns, such as confidentially of personal information, although the practice—when employed appropriately—is supported by some medical associations, including the American Psychiatric Association.