Telehealth Informed Consent
What is telehealth
Please read this document carefully. By proceeding with your intake, you are consenting to receive medical services via telehealth. You have the right to ask questions before providing consent.
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services using electronic communications technology, including secure messaging, asynchronous review of patient-submitted health information, and video consultation. Through the Newfield Health platform, you will interact with independent licensed physicians who will review your health intake and, if clinically appropriate, issue a prescription.
Telehealth is not the same as an in-person medical visit. The physician treating you will not physically examine you. Their clinical assessment is based on the information you provide in your intake questionnaire and any follow-up communications.
Benefits of telehealth
Telehealth offers several advantages for appropriate conditions and circumstances:
- Convenience: Access to care from any location without travel
- Privacy: No need to visit a physical clinic or pharmacy in person
- Speed: Physician review typically within hours rather than days
- Access: Ability to consult with physicians licensed in your state regardless of geographic proximity
- Cost: Often lower cost than in-person specialist visits
Risks and limitations of telehealth
You should understand the following limitations and risks before proceeding:
- No physical examination: The physician cannot physically examine you. Certain conditions that might be identified in a physical examination may not be detectable through telehealth.
- Information limitations: The quality of your care depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information you provide. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in an inappropriate clinical determination.
- Technology failures: Electronic systems may experience interruptions, delays, or failures. In such cases, your care may be delayed.
- Prescription appropriateness: A physician may determine that your condition requires in-person evaluation before a prescription can be issued. Telehealth is not appropriate for all conditions or all patients.
- State variations: Telehealth regulations vary by state. The services available to you may differ based on your state of residence.
- Not for emergencies: Telehealth is not appropriate for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Your rights as a telehealth patient
As a patient receiving care through our platform, you have the following rights:
- Right to withhold consent: You may choose not to consent to telehealth services. Withholding consent will not affect your ability to seek in-person care elsewhere.
- Right to withdraw consent: You may withdraw your consent to telehealth services at any time. Withdrawal does not affect care already received.
- Right to ask questions: You have the right to ask your physician questions about your care, treatment options, and any medications prescribed.
- Right to your records: You have the right to access your medical records generated through this platform, subject to applicable law and our Privacy Policy.
- Right to a second opinion: You may seek a second opinion from another physician at any time.
- Right to refuse treatment: You may decline any prescribed treatment recommended by your physician.
- Right to know your physician: You have the right to know the name, licensure status, and state of licensure of the physician treating you.
Privacy and security in telehealth
Your health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We use encryption and other security measures to protect health information transmitted through our platform.
Despite these precautions, no electronic transmission is completely secure. By proceeding, you acknowledge that electronic communications carry a small inherent risk of interception. We take commercially reasonable steps to minimize this risk.
Your health information will not be disclosed to unauthorized parties. Please review our Privacy Policy for a full description of how we handle your information.
You are responsible for ensuring the privacy of your own environment when submitting health information or communicating with your physician. We recommend completing your intake in a private setting.
Emergency care
Newfield Health is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including but not limited to chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe allergic reaction, or thoughts of harming yourself or others — do not use this platform. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
If at any point during your use of our platform you experience a medical emergency, stop using the platform and seek emergency care immediately.
Alternatives to telehealth
Telehealth is one option for receiving medical care. Alternatives include:
- In-person visit with a primary care physician or specialist
- Urgent care clinic
- Emergency room (for emergencies)
- Other telehealth providers
Your physician may recommend an in-person evaluation if they determine that your condition warrants it. You are not obligated to use telehealth services and may choose any of these alternatives at any time.
Consent acknowledgment
By checking the boxes below and proceeding with your intake, you confirm that you have read and understood this Telehealth Informed Consent document and voluntarily agree to receive healthcare services via telehealth through the Newfield Health platform.
Please confirm each of the following:
Your consent is recorded with a timestamp and associated with your account. A copy will be available in your patient record.