Dialing for Diagnosis: The Rising Risks and Challenges of Telemedicine Today

In a world defined by social distancing, telemedicine is now an indispensable form of healthcare delivery. Providing care virtually can broaden access, reduce costs, and save time – but it’s not without risk.

While the ability to meet virtually with medical professionals is not new, the pandemic has significantly accelerated its adoption by providers and patients alike. Indeed, the percentage of American adults who have tried these services has doubled since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. In fact, some platforms are reporting a 158% increase in users since January. While the uptick in telemedicine generally is a positive development, it also opens up healthcare provider organizations to increased risk – especially for those running programs for the first time or at a volume substantially higher than in the past.