Liability for Telemedicine

This paper analyzes four issues about “telemedicine” in light of the systems (norms), responsibilities, and liabilities in effectively connecting health services. The structures are: First is “face to face examination” as a general principle and physician’s responsibility and liability. Second is dividing lines between physicians and physicians in telemedicine. Third are about areas which should be regulated by medical practitioners acts in providing telemedicine. Fourth is fee arrangements and cost burden for continuing telemedicine projects. The authors argue that not telemedicine’s special features as a means, but judgments for its medical necessity should be focused. The authors also alert that a responsibility can arise to establish a business model where all of the actors are responsible for managing healthcare delivery systems will continue to involve in the delivery of telemedicine, because patients become deeply in despair when telemedicine services stop without any alternative ways to get medical cares.