Effective Date
This Telehealth Consent is effective as of June 07, 2024.
Welcome to Best Fit Counseling & Pscyhiatry (“we,” “our,” “us”). We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of mental health care through our telehealth services. Telehealth involves the use of electronic communications to enable health care providers at different locations to share individual patient information for the purpose of improving patient care. This consent form outlines the key elements of telehealth services and your rights and responsibilities.
I. What is Telehealth?
Telehealth includes the delivery of health care services using interactive audio, video, or data communications. This includes the use of secure video conferencing or other forms of electronic communications to conduct appointments, consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services.
II. Benefits of Telehealth
- Accessibility: Allows you to receive care from the comfort of your own home or other convenient location.
- Convenience: Reduces the need for travel and waiting time.
- Continuity: Facilitates continuous care, especially for individuals in remote or underserved areas.
III. Risks of Telehealth
While telehealth offers many benefits, it also presents certain risks, including:
- Technical Issues: Disruptions in service or technical difficulties may affect the quality of your telehealth session.
- Security: Although we use secure communication methods, there is a risk that the transmission of your health information could be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals.
- Limitations: Telehealth may not be appropriate for all medical conditions and does not replace in-person care when necessary.
IV. Consent to Telehealth Services
By agreeing to use our telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Voluntary Participation: Your participation in telehealth services is voluntary. You may choose to receive care in a traditional in-person setting at any time.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: We will take reasonable and appropriate steps to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information as required by law. However, you understand that there are risks associated with the use of technology, and we cannot guarantee the security of telehealth sessions.
- Recording Prohibition: You agree that you will not record any telehealth sessions without prior written consent from both you and the provider.
- Technical Requirements: You are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary equipment and internet connection for telehealth services.
- Emergency Situations: Telehealth is not suitable for emergency situations. If you are experiencing an emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Billing and Payment: You agree to provide accurate billing information and understand that telehealth services may be billed to your insurance provider or paid out-of-pocket according to our fee schedule.
V. Patient Rights
As a telehealth patient, you have the right to:
- Receive information about your telehealth provider, including credentials and licensure.
- Be informed about the telehealth process, including the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Ask questions and seek clarification regarding telehealth services.
- Refuse or withdraw consent for telehealth services at any time without affecting your right to future care or treatment.
- Have access to your medical information and obtain copies of your medical records as provided by law.
VII. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about telehealth services, please contact us at:
info@bestfitcounseling.org
VIII. Acknowledgment and Consent
By using our telehealth services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided above. You consent to participate in telehealth services under the terms and conditions described.