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With the widespread acceptance of telemedicine, the promise of remote healthcare has become borderless. A patient in one country can consult with a specialist halfway around the world, gaining access to expertise that might not be available locally. For complex diagnoses—like rare cancers or neurological conditions—this kind of access can be life-changing or perhaps even life saving. But behind the convenience and speed of remote diagnosis lies an invisible and increasingly critical issue called data residency.

Concierge medicine firms often market themselves as the ultimate solution for peace of mind: expert second opinions, top specialists, and—if you believe the sales pitch—zero malpractice liability for the physicians involved. It sounds great. Too good to be true.

Medical images have become an increasingly common part of medical examinations and diagnoses. It should then come as no surprise that medical images are playing a more important role in legal trials involving personal injuries, medical malpractice and sometimes criminal law. 

Ask any experienced personal injury attorney about whether using medical images enhances his or her ability to illustrate a complex story to the jury and you will get a resounding agreement. But if you ask them how difficult it is to make that happen, you will find that most pause, unsure of how to proceed.

Telehealth exploded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as patients and providers scrambled to find safe, effective ways to receive and deliver care remotely. While its popularity has more recently receded, it is fair to say that telehealth is now an engrained component of our healthcare delivery system.