What is an Online Consultancy Service?
Online Consultancy Service is the remote delivery of healthcare services by a
registered medical practitioner (“Doctor”) using information and communication
technologies, that involves sharing Your health information with the Doctor via a
text-based, audio-based or video-based medium, on the basis of which the Doctor
will arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan (“Online Consultancy”).
By availing the Online Consultancy Service, You understand and consent to
following:
Risks of Teleconsultation
The beneficiary of the Online Consultancy Service (“I/me”) understand that, in
addition to the risks associated with the treatment being administered through an
Online Consultancy itself, Online Consultancy also bears certain risks. These
include:
● The inability to have direct, physical contact with the patient which may
impact the quality of service and treatment being rendered.
● In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor
resolution of images) to allow for appropriate medical decision making
by the Doctor(s);
● Delays in medical evaluation and treatment could occur due to
deficiencies or failures of the technical infrastructure;
● In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of
privacy of personal medical information/ PII;
● In rare cases, a lack of access to complete medical records or
information may result in adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions
or other judgement errors;
Doctor-Patient Relationship
I understand that this Online Consultancy is being facilitated by UTHC but is being
provided by the Doctor only. UTHC does not, and is not qualified to, provide medical
services. There is no doctor-patient relationship being established between UTHC
and me.
Outcomes of Teleconsultation
I acknowledge that the outcome of the Online Consultancy is reliant on the
information that I provide, and agree to provide such information to the Doctor that is
true and accurate.
I understand that the diagnosis and treatment plan determined during the Online
Consultancy could change based on my condition, and that I should visit a Doctor for
a an in-person consultation if my clinical condition worsens.
I understand that, by agreeing to a Online Consultancy, the Doctor is not
guaranteeing the suitability of a teleconsultation for my case, and the Doctor is at
liberty to, at any time, discontinue the Online Consultancy.
I understand that if my Doctor believes I would be better served by another form of
services (e.g. face-to-face services), I will be referred to a Doctor who can provide
such services in my area.
Neither the Doctor nor UTHC make any explicit or implied guarantee that a
prescription will be issued to me following the Online Consultancy.
My Rights
I understand that I have the following rights with respect to the Online Consultancy:
● I have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without
affecting my right to future care or treatment.
● The laws that protect the confidentiality of my medical information also
apply to Online Consultancy.
● As such, I understand that the information disclosed by me during the
course of my treatment/ consultation is generally confidential.
However, there are both mandatory and permissive exceptions to
confidentiality under the law.
● I also understand that the dissemination of any personally identifiable
images or information from the Online Consultancy interaction to
researchers or other entities shall not occur without my written consent
except as governed by the Privacy Policy of UTHC.
Acceptance of Terms
I acknowledge and agree that my Online Consultancy will be governed by the Terms
and Conditions and Privacy Policy, as well as this Informed Consent Form.
I hereby clarify that I am above eighteen (18) years of age, and competent to
contract. If I am agreeing to these terms for the treatment of a third-party, I represent
that am authorised to consent to treatment on behalf of the patient.
I hereby agree to avail of Online Consultancy offered by the Doctor and UTHC for
my medical care.
BY ENGAGING IN THIS ONLINE CONSULTANCY, I AGREE AND CERTIFY THAT I
HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE, AND
UNDERSTAND THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF ONLINE CONSULTANCY.
FURTHER, I GIVE MY INFORMED CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE
CONSULTANCY AND OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY UTHC.