Recital 28

Telemedicine is becoming an increasingly important tool that can provide patients with access to care and tackle inequities. It has the potential to reduce health inequalities and reinforce the free movement of Union citizens across borders. Digital and other technological tools can facilitate the provision of care in remote regions. When digital services accompany the physical provision of a healthcare service, the digital service should be included in the overall care provision. Under Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Member States are responsible for their health policy, in particular for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, including the regulation of activities such as online pharmacies, telemedicine and other services that they provide and provide reimbursement for, in line with their national legislation. Different healthcare policies should not, however, constitute barriers to the free movement of electronic health data in the context of cross-border healthcare, for example telemedicine and online pharmacy services.