The AMA was founded in part to establish the first national code of medical ethics. Today the Code is widely recognized as authoritative ethics guidance for physicians through its Principles of Medical Ethics interpreted in Opinions of AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that address the evolving challenges of contemporary practice.
Telehealth and telemedicine span a continuum of technologies; As in any mode of care, patients need to be able to trust that physicians will place patient welfare above other interests, provide competent care, provide the information patients need to make well-considered decisions about care, respect patient privacy and confidentiality, and take steps to ensure continuity of care.
Medical tourists may receive excellent care, but issues of safety and quality can arise: substandard surgical care, poor infection control, inadequate screening of blood products, and falsified or outdated medications can pose greater risks than patients would face at home; Medical tourism can leave home country physicians in problematic positions since patients may need follow-up when they return and records may be unavailable.
