Telehealth Informed Consent

What telehealth means here

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare using telecommunications rather than an in-person visit. At Padgett Medical Center, a telehealth visit typically means speaking with a licensed provider by phone or video, reviewing the health history and any measurements you supply, and, where clinically appropriate, receiving a prescription that is dispensed by a licensed partner pharmacy and shipped to you.

Your telehealth provider is licensed in the State of Florida. You must be physically located in Florida at the time of your visit.

Benefits

• Access to care without travelling to the clinic, taking time off work, or arranging childcare.
• Care from home if you live outside the Tampa area or have mobility or transport barriers.
• Faster follow-up and check-ins throughout your program.
• Medication shipped directly to your door anywhere in Florida.

Limitations and risks you should understand

Telehealth is not equivalent to an in-person examination, and you should weigh the following before consenting:

• No physical exam: Your provider cannot palpate, auscultate, or otherwise physically examine you. Some conditions cannot be safely diagnosed or managed without an in-person visit.
• Information quality: Care decisions rest on the accuracy and completeness of the history, measurements, and symptoms you report. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to an incorrect assessment or an inappropriate treatment plan.
• Technology failure: Connection problems, dropped calls, or equipment failure may delay or interrupt your visit. If that happens, we will contact you to reschedule or continue by another method.
• Privacy: Although we use reasonable security measures, no electronic transmission can be guaranteed completely secure. Please take your visit somewhere private.
• Referral may be needed: Your provider may determine that telehealth is not appropriate for your situation and ask you to be seen in person at our Tampa clinic or by another provider.

Emergencies

Telehealth is not for emergencies. Our providers cannot respond to urgent or life-threatening situations, and this website and our messaging channels are not monitored around the clock.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, a severe allergic reaction, or thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you are in crisis, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Your rights

• You may withhold or withdraw consent to telehealth at any time, without affecting your right to future care or treatment.
• You may request an in-person appointment at our Tampa clinic instead of a telehealth visit.
• You may ask who else is present during your visit and request that anyone not essential to your care leave.
• You have the same rights of access to your medical records as you do for in-person care, as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
• You may ask questions about your treatment plan, medication, alternatives, and expected outcomes at any point.

Recording and who may be present

We do not record telehealth visits without your express permission. Clinical staff may take part in your visit to support your care. If a trainee or additional staff member would be present, we will tell you and ask your permission first.

Privacy of your health information

Information shared during a telehealth visit is protected health information and is handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable Florida law, exactly as it would be for an in-person visit. See our Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices for how we use, disclose, and safeguard it.

Prescriptions and pharmacy

Prescribing is always at the discretion of your provider and only where clinically appropriate. Consulting with us does not guarantee that any medication will be prescribed. Personalized compounded medications are prepared and dispensed by licensed partner pharmacies, and are generally not returnable once dispensed.

Financial responsibility

You are responsible for the cost of your program as quoted to you at your consultation. Telehealth visits may not be covered by your insurance, and coverage varies by plan. Ask our team if you are unsure what your program includes.

Consent

By proceeding with a telehealth visit, you confirm that you have read and understood this document, that you have had the opportunity to ask questions, that you are physically located in Florida, and that you consent to receive care by telehealth on these terms.

Contact us

Questions about this document? Reach the practice directly: