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Can telemedicine affect personal injury claims?

On Behalf of | Nov 15, 2024 | Personal Injury

Telemedicine has become more popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. As technology gets better, more people use virtual healthcare services because they are convenient. The rise of telemedicine is changing many parts of healthcare, including how personal injury cases are handled and evaluated.

Easier access to medical evaluations

Telemedicine makes it easier for people who are hurt to get medical evaluations. Many people with injuries have trouble traveling to doctors, especially if they are in pain or don’t have reliable transportation. Virtual visits let patients connect with doctors from home. This easy access helps injured people get timely evaluations, which is important for both their recovery and their personal injury claim.

Challenges in diagnosing injuries

Even though telemedicine makes healthcare more accessible, it also has challenges. Diagnosing some injuries can be hard without an in-person exam. Conditions like muscle tears or broken bones often need a physical check or imaging, like X-rays or MRIs. During a virtual visit, doctors rely on the patient’s descriptions and visible symptoms, which might lead to an incomplete diagnosis. This could affect the quality of evidence available for personal injury cases.

Impact on personal injury claims

Telemedicine affects personal injury claims by impacting the quality of medical records and expert testimony. Insurance companies might question the reliability of telehealth evaluations, saying they are not as thorough as in-person visits. However, telemedicine still allows doctors to record important details about symptoms, pain levels, and treatment plans, which can support a personal injury claim. For people who can’t attend in-person visits, telemedicine is a useful option for documenting injuries.

As telemedicine keeps growing, it will likely play an important role in personal injury cases. While there are challenges, virtual healthcare gives needed access to injured people. Balancing telemedicine with in-person care could improve medical evaluations and help those who have been injured get fair compensation.