The COVID pandemic has changed almost every aspect of life, business and culture across the world. Some of these changes, fortunately, will disappear with the emergence of vaccines and the gradual return to normal life, but many others are here to stay. The significantly increased use of telehealth to deliver many basic health care services is one of those developments, and for the most part it is welcome. It will be more convenient for providers and patients and will expand access to those who have difficulty, whether by reason of distance or physical limitations, to visit their providers. However, as this article has demonstrated, there are significant compliance issues with implementing telehealth, either as part of an existing traditional practice or in the emerging industry of telehealth-only providers. From licensing, standard of care, prescribing and privacy through fraud and abuse issues, the issues facing the provision of health care remotely are numerous. And, if something goes wrong - or an allegation is made that something has gone wrong - then a thorough and independent investigation should take place.
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