Pandemic ne telemedicine ko fast-forward kar diya. Video calls, chat apps, tele-consult platforms – sab normal ho gaye. Lekin doctor–patient relationship screen ke through bhi legal obligations se free nahi ho jata.
Telemedicine guidelines generally address:
- Doctor ka proper registration and identity disclosure,
- Informed consent – patient ko pata ho ki yeh remote consult hai,
- Scope – kaun se conditions ke liye tele-consult suitable hai, kaun se me physical exam must hai,
- E-prescriptions ka format, validity, aur controlled drugs pe restrictions.
Confidentiality yahan equally important hai. Doctors ko secure channels prefer karne chahiye; patients ko bhi public Wi-Fi ya office devices pe sensitive info share karte waqt caution rakhni chahiye.
Misdiagnosis risk remote setting me high ho sakta hai, specially jahan symptoms subtle ho. Isliye many guidelines doctors ko conservative approach suggest karte hain – doubt ho to ask for in-person visit or local examination.
Telemedicine rural access, second opinions, aur follow-up ke liye boon ban sakta hai. But clear boundaries, record-keeping, and ethical practice ke bina yeh legal minefield bhi ban sakta hai – dono sides ko thoda extra mindfulness chahiye.