[Use of telemedicine in Switzerland]

In the 21st century, telemedicine has become daily business. Nevertheless, they are still a lack of precise definitions of telemedicine. Legal and financial implications of telemedical applications are complex, with lots of local restrictions, far beyond global technological aspects. In the United States, telemedicine is a reality since decades, and is basically defined as the provision of health care when distance separates the participants. Technology and networks for telemedicine are universally globalized, but the legal and financial implications are diametrically more local based. Any CT-scan made at midnight in Switzerland can be accurately assessed within minutes by any Australian radiologist, for whom it will be the morning, and so far around the globe at any time of the day or the night. But how will the billing work intercontinentally? And what about legal implications of this telemedical service? In this paper, we review the actual definitions of telemedicine, check our local legal responsibilities, and present the Tarmed financial positions for billing.