'I'm just ringing for some advice...'--issues concerning GP advice lines

In response to the increasing demand for emergency department and outpatient services, many hospitals are establishing general practitioner advice lines. While this and other forms of telemedicine may benefit patients, GPs, and specialists, issues such as medical records, confidentiality, reimbursement and standards of care need to be addressed. Such issues may be overcome through training, analysis of existing models and the development of standards in telemedicine. Rigorous evaluation is also necessary to ensure GP advice lines are both safe and effective and not just a cheaper way of delivering care.