Z Orthop Unfall 2020; 158(04): 345-350
DOI: 10.1055/a-1192-7800
Review/Übersicht

Online Patient Consultation

Important Facts for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeons Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Christian Juhra
1   Telemedicine Office/Centre for Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Münster University Hospital
,
Jörg Ansorg
2   Akademie Deutscher Orthopäden (German Academy of Orthopaedists), Berufsverband für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie e. V. (Professional Association of Specialists in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery), Berlin
,
David Alexander Back
3   Centre for Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedics, Septic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin (Berlin Armed Forces Hospital)
,
Dominik John
4   Orthopaedics, Südstadt Orthopäden Bonn (Südstadt Orthopaedics)
,
Andrea Kuckuck-Winkelmann
5   Telemedicine Office, Münster University Hospital
,
Michael Raschke
6   Centre for Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Münster University Hospital
,
Georg Osterhoff
7   Clinic for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Leipzig University Hospital
,
Dominik Pförringer
8   Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar at the Technical University of Munich, Clinic and Policlinic for Trauma Surgery, Munich
,
Julian Scherer
9   Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

New communication technologies allow patients to communicate with their physicians from anywhere using computer or smartphone. Adding video to the mere phone call optimizes the personal contact between patient and physicians regardless of distance. Legal and reimbursements requirements must be taken into account, especially only certified software products must be used. In addition, patient consent is needed and confidentiality must be assured. The video patient consultation can be reimbursed by the health insurance companies. As with all new technologies, the introduction of these video consultations faced some challenges. Although patients and physicians have expressed great interest in this technology, it has been rarely used so far. The current COVID crisis increased the need for video consultations resulting in an increasing use of video patient consultation. It can be expected that this demand will still exists after the COVID crisis.



Publication History

Article published online:
20 August 2020

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