Telehealth is the delivery of health care services using interactive audio and video technology, where the patient and the Health Professional are not in the same physical location. During your telehealth consultation with a Health Professional, details of your health history and personal health information may be discussed with you and video, audio, and/or photo recordings may be taken. The telehealth services you receive from the Health Professionals are not intended to replace your relationship with your primary care physician or other physicians you may consult. You should seek emergency help or follow-up care when recommended by a Health Professional or when otherwise needed and continue to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare professionals as recommended. With any health service, there are potential risks associated with the use of telehealth. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
- In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor resolution of images) to allow for appropriate health care decision making by the Health Professional;
- Delays in evaluation or treatment could occur due to failures of the electronic equipment;
- Although the electronic systems we use will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the privacy and security of health information, in rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal health information
- A lack of access to all of your medical records (for example records that are not in your Personal Health Record provided) may result in adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions or other judgment errors.
You understand that you may expect the anticipated benefits from the use of telehealth in your care, but that no results can be guaranteed or assured. Your chosen Health Professional may determine that use of the Telemedicine Portal is not appropriate for some or all of your treatment needs.