Internet patient disclaimer

The Doctors’ Company, a health care professional liability insurer in Napa, CA, urges health care professionals who communicate with patients over the Internet to use a disclaimer such as the ones below for entry into their Web sites. (For more advice on appropriate Internet use, see story at left and Case Management Advisor, June 2000, pp. 93-98.)

• I am aware that I am not entering into a patient/provider relationship.
• I am aware that I will be receiving medical education only.
• I am aware that no one will diagnose, advise, or treat me or my condition.