Telehealth Informed Consent

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth involves the use of electronic communications to enable healthcare providers to connect with patients using interactive video, audio, or asynchronous messaging tools to deliver clinical services. Docs That Care provides telehealth services through a HIPAA-compliant, secure online platform.

How Telehealth Works at Docs That Care

When you enroll in a Docs That Care program, your care may be delivered through one or more of the following:

• Asynchronous secure messaging — you submit health information and your provider responds via your patient portal
• Synchronous video or audio consultation — a real-time appointment with your licensed provider
• Remote prescription issuance — when clinically appropriate, your provider issues a prescription based on your health history and consultation

Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth may offer several benefits compared to in-person care, including:

• Improved access to care, especially for patients in underserved or rural areas
• Convenience of receiving care without traveling to a clinic
• Faster access to licensed providers compared to traditional appointment scheduling
• Continuity of care through ongoing messaging and follow-up

Risks and Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth has limitations that you should understand before consenting to care:

• Your provider cannot perform a physical examination and must rely on the information you provide. Incomplete or inaccurate health history may affect the quality of care.
• Certain conditions may require in-person evaluation that telehealth cannot substitute for.
• Technical failures — such as internet connectivity issues — may interrupt care delivery. In such cases, alternative communication methods will be used where possible.
• There is a risk of information loss or distortion due to technical issues during electronic transmission.
• The telehealth relationship does not constitute a traditional ongoing doctor-patient relationship in all states. Check applicable state law for specifics.

Your Rights

By consenting to telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting your right to future care
• You have the right to request an in-person evaluation if your provider deems it appropriate
• You have the right to have all telehealth visit information included in your medical record
• You have the right to request copies of your health records
• Confidentiality of your health information is protected in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state law

Privacy and Security

Docs That Care uses HIPAA-compliant, encrypted technology to store and transmit your health information. No information collected during a telehealth session will be shared with third parties without your written consent, except as permitted or required by law. See our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policy for full details.

Emergency Situations

Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Docs That Care providers cannot provide emergency care services.

Acknowledgment of Consent

By completing your intake and accessing telehealth services through Docs That Care, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Informed Consent, that you have had the opportunity to ask questions, and that you consent to receiving telehealth services subject to the terms described above.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this document or your telehealth care, contact us at docsthatcare.com/contact.