TDC officials, however, are standing by their warning, noting that the company's chief concern is patient protection. The bulletin remains posted on its Web site. In a letter to Medicine Online, TDC attorneys noted that the bulletin did not specifically address that site. Moshayedi said TDC's warning already had scared some physicians away, although some physicians covered by TDC do participate. It remains to be seen what the real liability risks will be.
Some doctors doubt there are risks.
I don't prescribe online. I don't consummate a contract with anybody online. It's no different from having my own Web site. He has screened Medicine Online patients exactly in the same way he'd screen any other, Dr. Tavoussi said. For one patient with diabetes seeking a blepharoplasty, for example, he consulted with her primary care physicians, had them clear her for surgery and ensure she was properly regulated heading into the procedure.