Online communications between physician and patient should be conducted over a secure network that incorporates the following:
A.
Instant messaging
B.
Spell check
C.
Authentication and encryption
D.
Audio
The physician should take every step possible to ensure that recipients of information are authorized to receive it.
True
False
Physicians should consider developing guidelines for online communications with patients. Those guidelines should not include the following:
Avoiding emergency use
Use of highly sensitive medical topics
Discussion of the type of Internet service provider to use
Appropriate expectations for response times
Before engaging in online communication, the physician does not need to obtain informed consent from the patient regarding the appropriate use and limitations of this form of communication.
Online communication is an expedient method for physicians to discuss the following with a patient:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Bleeding during pregnancy
None of the above
Because online communications are electronic, there is no need for the physician to maintain these communications as part of the patient’s medical record.
A physician holds a license to practice medicine in California, Nevada and New York. Interacting online with a patient from which state would subject the physician to increased liability risk?
California
Nevada
New York
Delaware
Using antivirus software is one way physicians can help guard against unauthorized physical access to the computer.
Which of the following actions increases a physician’s liability risk:
Initiating a doctor-patient relationship that is solely online
Sending a patient an e-mail with the title "Bipolar Disorder"
Sending patients an e-mail that promotes a new cream the physician has developed
All of the above
Through online communications, physicians should actively solicit discussion of highly sensitive topics, such as mental health or substance abuse.
