By Megan Wood
Although telemedicine has not made as dramatic a splash in spine as in other lines yet, healthcare lawyer Nathaniel Lacktman, Esq., partner with Foley & Lardner, says it’s starting to make noise.
Pain management, neurology and trauma currently pose the strongest opportunities for telemedicine in spine. 
Keeping patients on track
Pain management for spinal injuries often involves patients doing physical therapy. Telemedicine allows patients the consistency of therapist oversight, without the hindering task of traveling multiple times a week.
“[Telemedicine allows] that additional frequency of contact and instruction while the patient is in the home,” says Mr. Lacktman, who heads his law firm’s telemedicine and virtual care practice. “But more impressive is how the convenience of telemedicine-based therapy keeps patients accountable and increases patient adherence to post-surgical care plans.”