Navigating the Complex Landscape of Telemedicine in Chiropractic Practice
Telehealth is no longer the future of healthcare; it's the present. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has been rapidly adopted across various medical fields, including chiropractic care. But this new modality brings its own set of challenges, particularly from a risk management perspective.
Recently, we were contacted by Dr. Linda, a chiropractor transitioning to a virtual nutrition practice. Her situation posed several questions that every chiropractor considering a telehealth model needs to ask. It also emphasized why choosing the right malpractice insurance, such as ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program, is critical for navigating the complexities of virtual healthcare.
Scope of Practice and Licensing
The first matter we discussed with Dr. Linda pertained to her chiropractic license. She considered letting it lapse, planning to continue using her title as a Doctor of Chiropractic. She believed that a virtual practice could circumvent the state's practice acts—a common misconception.
Advice: As a licensed chiropractor, it's essential to abide by the scope of practice in your state and be aware of scopes in other states if your virtual practice expands. Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors do not have universal licensing across states. Failure to adhere to these rules can expose practitioners to legal risks, which a good malpractice provider like ChiroFutures can help navigate.
Religious Doctrine as a Cover
Dr. Linda also mentioned the possibility of becoming a Minister to operate under religious doctrines. While creative, this avenue could open a Pandora's box of legal and ethical issues.
Advice: Before considering such drastic steps, consult with legal experts and your malpractice insurance provider. ChiroFutures can offer tailored advice to ensure you're not exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.
Partnering with Nutritional Companies
Dr. Linda expressed interest in partnering with nutritional companies. While this could be a viable business model, it also requires careful consideration of how these companies operate across state lines.
Advice: If you're thinking of working with other companies, always consult your malpractice provider to understand the specific risks involved and how you can mitigate them.
Educational Credentials
Dr. Linda contemplated acquiring further educational credentials, such as a master's in nutrition. While additional education is beneficial, it doesn’t absolve one from adhering to state health codes and requirements.
Advice: Before investing time and money into further education, make sure you understand how this would affect your scope of practice and liability. Your malpractice provider can be an excellent resource for this.
Risk Management is Not Obstruction
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Linda asserted her intention to proceed with her plans, regardless of the risks identified. Risk management is not about preventing practitioners from expanding or adapting their practices; it’s about doing so responsibly.
Advice: Take the time to consult with experts, understand the laws, and assess the risks. Your malpractice provider is not an obstacle but a partner in helping you realize your vision safely and legally.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex world of telemedicine requires a multifaceted approach to risk management. Having a robust malpractice insurance program, like ChiroFutures, ensures that you have professional support for critical decisions and strategy changes. Dr. Linda's situation highlights the importance of due diligence and consultation, emphasizing the need for a reliable partner to help navigate these challenges.
