Healthcare VANTAGE POINT®
A Healthcare Risk Management Resource | 2024 Issue 2
The delivery of remote healthcare services via telecommunications technology has grown exponentially in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 23 percent of patients/residents/clients utilized some form of telemedical service by late 2022, up from 5 percent prior to the pandemic. As remote care gains acceptance, the telemedicine market – valued at $87 billion in 2022 – is predicted to reach $286 billion by 2030. (See “A Snapshot of User Demographics and Service Characteristics” on page 2 for additional insights into market patterns and trends.)
Download PDF
Download PDF
In this issue…
- A Snapshot of User Demographics and Service Characteristics… page 2.
- Remote Care: A Balancing Act… page 3.
- Staying Abreast of Telehealth Regulation, Law and Policy… page 5.
- eHealth Exposures and Risk Management Considerations… page 7.
- Quick Links… page 8.
As the technology evolves, so too does the language used to
describe digitally enabled care, with different settings and providers
using their own distinct terminology to describe the various
services available. This article divides the wide range of remote
healthcare options into the following three categories:
- Telemedicine refers to systems that enable the virtual exchange of medical information and/or delivery of clinical care, generally between the patient/resident/client and medical providers. Common telemedical services include specialty consultation, diagnostic testing, and various types of treatment or therapy.
- Telehealth encompasses a range of remote healthcare services outside of direct consultation or communication with healthcare providers. One common telehealth technology entails the use of body sensors or wearables to monitor a patient’s/resident’s/client’s health status, while other applications provide compliance reminders, offer educational support or troubleshoot issues associated with chronic care maintenance.
- Telecare, also referred to as eHealth, extends beyond the patient/resident/client-provider relationship, encompassing certain direct-to-consumer technologies – such as home testing kits, novel mental health tools and software platforms – that enable individuals to address health concerns while circumventing traditional healthcare providers, organizations and intermediaries. While eHealth is a burgeoning field, it is not without attendant risks, some of which are discussed on page 7.
Although remote care offers many advantages in terms of convenience, efficiency and expanded access, it does have its limitations and risks. If misused, telemedicine can lead to fragmented care delivery, weakening of the patient/resident/client-provider
relationship, lack of follow-up and increased liability exposure. (See “Remote Care: A Balancing Act” on page 3.) In order to help organizational leaders and providers offset these hazards and realize the full potential of these technologies, this edition of
Vantage Point® offers a basic guide to common uses and associated risks of remote care, along with guidance and information on a variety of issues, ranging from standard of care, clinical assessment, mental health treatment and provider accountability to recordkeeping and communication practices. Also included are suggestions for safeguarding the transfer of protected health information (PHI), as well as updates on regulatory, legal and policy matters.
Please note that this edition is intended to serve as a companion piece to two earlier CNA publications:
Readers are encouraged to consult both publications for a thorough review of relevant risk exposures and countermeasures.
Continue reading by downloading the PDF
Editorial Board Members
Kelly J. Taylor, RN, JD, Chair
Janna Bennett, CPHRM
Peter S. Bressoud, CPCU, RPLU, ARe
Elisa Brown, FCAS
Lauran L. Cutler, RN, BSN, CPHRM
Jim Gitzlaff, JD
Jeffrey Klenklen, RN, BSN, MS, MS-PSL, NE-BC, CPHQ, CPHRM
Emma Landry
Lauren Motamedinia, J.D.
Michelle O’Neill, MN, MBA, PhD, CPHRM, CPPS
Publisher
Patricia Harmon, RN, MM, CPHRM
Editor
Hugh Iglarsh, MA
Published by CNA. For additional information, please contact CNA at 1-866-262-0540. The information, examples and suggestions presented in this material have been developed from sources believed to be reliable, but they should not be construed as legal or other professional advice. CNA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this material and recommends the consultation with competent legal counsel and/or other professional advisors before applying this material in any particular factual situation. Please note that Internet
links cited herein are active as of the date of publication, but may be subject to change or discontinuation and are provided solely for convenience. CNA does not make any representations, endorsements, or assurances about content contained on any website referred to herein or on the accuracy of any of the content contained on third party websites. The views, statements, and materials contained on the website are those of the owner of the site. This material is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to constitute a contract. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. Certain CNA Financial Corporation subsidiaries use the “CNA” service mark in connection with insurance underwriting and claims activities.
Copyright © 2024 CNA. All rights reserved. Published 7/24. CNA VP24-2.
This publication is intended to inform Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., customers of potential liability in their practice. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized guidance. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy. Any references to non-Aon, AIS, NSO, HPSO websites are provided solely for convenience, and Aon, AIS, NSO and HPSO disclaims any responsibility with respect to such websites. This information is not intended to offer legal advice or to establish appropriate or acceptable standards of professional conduct. Readers should consult with a lawyer if they have specific concerns. Neither Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., NSO, nor CNA assumes any liability for how this information is applied in practice or for the accuracy of this information.
Nurses Service Organization is a registered trade name of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., a licensed producer in all states (TX 13695); (AR 100106022); in CA, MN, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency.