A French court ruled that teleconsultation caps don't apply to physicians exclusively working for remote care platforms, sparking debate over medical practice regulations.
Teleconsultation limits under medical convention
A medical convention from June 4, 2024, limits the proportion of a physician's work that can be done remotely to 20%, with an exception of 40% for psychiatrists. This rule aims to ensure that in-person consultations remain a core part of medical practice.Court rules against applying limits to teleconsultation employees
In a July 30, 2026, ruling, the judicial court of Reims decided that the 20% limit on remote work does not apply to physicians who are exclusively employed by teleconsultation companies. The court found the rule inapplicable to a retired general practitioner who worked only for such a company.Legal reasoning excludes exclusive teleconsultation workers
The court's decision was based on two points. First, the convention explicitly excludes "exclusive employees practicing in a teleconsultation company" from its scope. Second, the court interpreted a specific paragraph of the rule as applying only to those who also have a separate medical practice, not those who work exclusively remotely.Legal ambiguity remains in convention wording
The court's interpretation is supported by some legal text, as the Public Health Code allows for exceptions in certain cases. However, the wording of the rule itself is unclear, leaving room for debate about whether it applies to all teleconsultation workers or only those with mixed practices.Retired physicians may still seek exceptions
The ruling does not affect the possibility for retired physicians to request exceptions. According to the convention, exceptions, including for retired doctors, can be decided by the National Council of the Medical Order, regardless of the court's interpretation.Deontological guidelines stress in-person care
The National Council of the Medical Order continues to emphasize that teleconsultation should complement, not replace, in-person medical care. New regulations also require physicians using digital tools to ensure safe and high-quality care, aligning with official guidelines.Judgment raises questions about future legal clarity
The Reims court's decision has sparked debate over the interpretation of specific legal provisions. While it does not establish a right to fully remote practice, it highlights the need for further legal or regulatory clarification for both physicians and teleconsultation platforms.
