Telehealth Informed Consent

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth (also referred to as telemedicine) involves the delivery of healthcare services using electronic communications, information technology, or other means between a healthcare provider and a patient who are not in the same physical location. This may include assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's healthcare through real-time interactive audio, video, or other telecommunications technology.

Nature of Telehealth Services

During your telehealth visit with Virtual Health Xpress, your provider may:

• Review your medical history and current symptoms
• Conduct a visual and verbal assessment via video or phone
• Diagnose and treat non-emergency medical conditions
• Prescribe medications when medically appropriate
• Order laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging
• Provide referrals to specialists or in-person care when necessary
• Provide health education and wellness guidance

Benefits of Telehealth

• Improved access to healthcare, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas
• Reduced travel time and associated costs
• Convenience of receiving care from your home or workplace
• Same-day or next-day appointment availability
• Reduced exposure to contagious illnesses in waiting rooms
• Continuity of care with your chosen provider

Risks and Limitations of Telehealth

As with any medical service, there are potential risks associated with telehealth, including but not limited to:

• The inability to perform a hands-on physical examination, which may limit the provider's ability to diagnose certain conditions
• Technical difficulties, including interruptions in service, poor image or audio quality, or equipment failures that may affect the quality of the consultation
• In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient to allow for appropriate medical decision-making
• Delays in evaluation and treatment could occur due to technology failures
• A lack of access to all of your medical records may result in adverse drug interactions, allergic reactions, or other judgment errors
• Despite reasonable security measures, electronic communications may be intercepted by unauthorized third parties

Patient Responsibilities

By participating in telehealth services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete health information, including your current medications, allergies, and medical history
• Be located in a state where Virtual Health Xpress providers are licensed to practice at the time of your visit
• Ensure you are in a private, well-lit environment with a stable internet connection for video consultations
• Inform your provider if you are experiencing a medical emergency (in which case you should call 911 immediately)
• Follow up with in-person care when recommended by your provider
• Notify us of any changes to your health status between visits

Privacy and Confidentiality

All telehealth consultations are conducted through HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platforms. We take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of your health information during and after your telehealth visit. However, no electronic system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. For more details, please review our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policy.

Prescriptions

Our providers may prescribe medications when clinically appropriate during your telehealth visit. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your designated pharmacy. Virtual Health Xpress does not prescribe controlled substances for pain, anxiety, or sleep. Certain medications may require in-person evaluation or laboratory testing before they can be prescribed.

Emergency Situations

Right to Withdraw Consent

You have the right to withdraw your consent for telehealth services at any time, either verbally during a consultation or in writing. Withdrawing consent will not affect your right to future care or treatment, nor will it affect your ability to seek in-person services. However, withdrawing consent during an active consultation may limit the provider's ability to complete your assessment and treatment plan.

Fees and Payment

You are responsible for applicable fees associated with telehealth services. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made. For Direct Primary Care members, telehealth visits are included as part of your monthly membership. Please review our Pricing page for current service fees.

State Licensing and Availability

Virtual Health Xpress provides telehealth services in states where our providers are licensed to practice. Services are currently available to patients located in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, and Utah. It is your responsibility to confirm that you are physically located in an eligible state at the time of your telehealth visit.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Telehealth Informed Consent, please contact us:

Virtual Health Xpress
Email: info@virtualhealthxpress.com
Phone: 352-706-8353
Fax: 352-562-0009