Telemedicine has been practiced in the US since the 1960s but has become more popular with advancements in technology

The American Telemedicine Association defines telemedicine as “the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve a patient’s clinical health status. Telemedicine includes a growing variety of applications and services using two-way video, email, smart phones, wireless tools and other forms of telecommunications technology.”

The Transformation of Healthcare with Telehealth

Important Facts About Telemedicine

• Washington State clearly specifies that naturopathic physicians can engage in telemedicine
• Practitioners using telemedicine are held to the same standard of care as physicians who see patients in person
• Naturopathic physicians using telemedicine must meet all the technical, clinical, confidentiality and ethical standards that are required by all doctors
• Informed consent is necessary when establishing care with a patient; patients must understand all the shortcomings associatied with virtual care
• Not all patient situations are appropriate for telemedicine and the practitioner is responsible for knowing the limitations of care she can provide
• Medical records are kept by practitioners providing telemedicine services
• In Washington State, telemedicine visits are covered by insurance
• Current practice guidelines are established by American Telemedicine Association
• At this time Dr. Estrada can only treat patients located in Washington State