Knowledge Library

Although electronic health records (EHRs) have many benefits, studies reveal unexpected patient safety and liability risks associated with their use. The speed at which EHR technology is advancing and the speed with which hospitals and medical practices are implementing these systems can partially explain this increased risk exposure.¹ Optimizing an EHR (using it to its full potential) can deflect some of this risk. However, the importance of optimizing an EHR can be overlooked amid the struggle to provide quality patient care while complying with regulations and participating in government incentive programs.²

Telemedicine continues to grow at an impressive rate as increasing numbers of providers adopt it in their practices, and the technology continues to improve for connecting with and delivering virtual care to patients.

Telemedicine continues to grow in scope and popularity as increasing numbers of providers adopt it in their practices, and the technology continues to improve for connecting with and delivering virtual care to patients. Telemedicine offers a number of advantages to providers and patients—including convenience and speedier and improved access to care—leading to increased patient satisfaction. It also offers increased opportunities for providers to broaden their practices and patient base as well as greater flexibility in how they provide care to patients.¹

Telemedicine continues to grow at an impressive rate as increasing numbers of providers adopt it in their practices, and the technology continues to improve for connecting with and delivering virtual care to patients. But along with the advantages that telemedicine offers both providers and patients, there are also liability risks to consider.¹

Practices must be able to protect the confidentiality of adolescent patients’ sensitive condition treatment information in patient portals. Consider the following case.