HPCSA news: No clinical assessments without examining the patient

This follows a ruling by Council's Undesirable Business Practices Committee after receiving a request for approval of a medical telephony service which would undertake diagnosis of patients over the telephone.

“The initial diagnosis of a patient must be done only after the patient has been physically examined. This decision does not rule out telemedicine which is conducted in real-time across distances by means of computers and telephony systems. In the case of telemedicine, a patient is supervised either by a medical practitioner who seeks a second opinion from an expert elsewhere, or by a qualified nurse who seeks guidance from a medical practitioner. In both these scenarios, the patient has been physically examined by a trained professional. This is not possible between a doctor and a patient over the telephone, which is why we have ruled against this proposal in the interests of the patient's health,” explained HPCSA Registrar, Adv. Boyce Mkhize.

He added that medical practitioners needed to act in accordance with their qualifications and expertise, and should take responsibility for medical advice which they provide. In matters requiring expert opinions to medical schemes, Council advises that such an opinion should be given by a competent person at least on par or above the level of the person who made the initial diagnosis.

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