Informed Telehealth Consent

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services using audio, video, and messaging technology instead of, or in addition to, an in-person visit. Your BetterWell provider will use secure video conferencing and/or secure messaging to evaluate your history and symptoms, recommend treatment, and, where clinically appropriate, order labs or prescribe medication.

Benefits of Telehealth

• Access to care without travel or waiting-room time.
• More flexible scheduling, including outside standard office hours.
• Continuity of care through secure, documented clinical messaging.
• Reduced exposure to illness associated with in-person waiting rooms.

Risks & Limitations of Telehealth

• Technology failure: poor internet connectivity, audio/video interruptions, or platform outages may delay or limit a visit.
• Limited physical examination: your provider cannot perform a hands-on physical exam, auscultation, or in-person vital-sign measurement, which may affect diagnostic accuracy and, in some cases, require an in-person referral.
• Privacy of transmission: although we use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms, no electronic transmission can be guaranteed 100% secure against interception.
• Not appropriate for emergencies: telehealth is not designed for the evaluation or treatment of medical emergencies.

Emergency Protocol

If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including but not limited to chest pain, difficulty breathing, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or severe allergic reaction — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. BetterWell is a scheduled telehealth service, not an emergency or urgent-care provider, and cannot guarantee immediate response outside of a confirmed appointment.

The Provider-Patient Relationship

A telehealth visit with BetterWell establishes a bona fide provider-patient relationship subject to the same standard of care, confidentiality protections, and professional responsibilities as an in-person visit. Your provider will document your visit in your medical record. Your provider may decline to prescribe or continue treatment at any time if, in their clinical judgment, telehealth is not appropriate for your condition.

Consent

By scheduling or participating in a telehealth visit, you confirm that you: (1) understand the benefits and risks described above; (2) are located in a state where your provider is licensed at the time of your appointment; (3) consent to the use of telehealth technology for your evaluation and treatment; and (4) understand you may withdraw this consent and request an in-person referral at any time, without affecting your right to future care.

Questions

Questions about telehealth consent can be directed to info@betterwellfl.com.