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With the widespread acceptance of telemedicine, the promise of remote healthcare has become borderless. A patient in one country can consult with a specialist halfway around the world, gaining access to expertise that might not be available locally. For complex diagnoses—like rare cancers or neurological conditions—this kind of access can be life-changing or perhaps even life saving. But behind the convenience and speed of remote diagnosis lies an invisible and increasingly critical issue called data residency.

Concierge medicine firms often market themselves as the ultimate solution for peace of mind: expert second opinions, top specialists, and—if you believe the sales pitch—zero malpractice liability for the physicians involved. It sounds great. Too good to be true.

Telehealth exploded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as patients and providers scrambled to find safe, effective ways to receive and deliver care remotely. While its popularity has more recently receded, it is fair to say that telehealth is now an engrained component of our healthcare delivery system.

When an attorney is deciding between easy-to-handle JPG images or larger and bulkier DICOM files to illustrate their clients’ medical issues, which is better? Should you take the easy way out? 

What you may not know is that the file format for these images can significantly differ, impacting their integrity and relevancy to your case. If winning your case is important to you or your client, you probably shouldn't take the easy way out.