Guidelines:

As per guidelines of MOHFW and MCI, we offer Teleconsultation as a tool during these tough times of Covid-19 pandemic.

We offer video mode consultation as primary consult and email for transfer of medical records.

We offer only Elective Consultations. For all emergencies, patients are requested to get to the nearest hospital in person.

The guidelines are meant for RMPs under the IMC Act 1956.

1. Telemedicine consultation should not be anonymous: both patient and the RMP need to know each other’s identity.
2. RMPs must make all efforts to gather sufficient medical information about the patient’s condition before making any professional judgment.
3. If the condition can be appropriately managed via telemedicine, based on the type of consultation, then the RMP may proceed with a professional judgement to:
   • Provide Health Education as appropriate in the case; and/or
   • Provide Counseling related to specific clinical condition; and/or
   • Prescribe Medicines
4. If the situation is NOT appropriate for further telemedicine consultation, then the RMP should provide Health advice/ Education as appropriate; and/or refer for in-person consultation.
5. Telemedicine consultations should be treated the same way as in-person consultations from a fee perspective and an RMP may charge an appropriate fee for the Telemedicine consultation provided.
6. The guidelines allow a RMP to refuse or discontinue a teleconsultation, with due notice to the patient, during any time of the consultation process. Similar liberty has also been provided to the patients.

Identification of your Doctor:

Appointment slots:

Appointments are of 15 mins duration with accommodative time of 10 mins to accommodate next Teleconsult.

Introduction

Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications (Telephone, E-mail, SMS, WhatsApp, Skype etc), to enable health care providers at different locations provide patient care. Providers may include primary care practitioners, specialists, and/or subspecialists. The information may be used for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up and/or education, and may include any of the following:

1. Patient medical records
2. Medical images
3. Live two-way audio and video
4. Output data from medical devices and sound and video files

Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient identification and imaging data and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.

Expected Benefits:

• Improved access to medical care by enabling a patient to remain in his/her place while the physician obtains services from providers at distant sites.
• More efficient medical evaluation and management.
• Obtaining expertise of a distant specialist.
• Reduced need for travel.

Possible Risks:

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of telemedicine. These risks include, but may not be limited to:

1. In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor resolution of images) to allow for appropriate medical decision making by the physician and consultant(s) and recommend a face-to-face visit.
2. Delays in medical evaluation and treatment could occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment
3. In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information.
4. In rare cases, a lack of access to complete medical records may result in adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions or other judgment errors.

Possible Risks:

I understand that I am financially responsible for all charges incurred during telemedicine consultation.

EXPLICIT Informed Consent for Telemedicine Consultation

By agreeing to consent, I understand the following:

1. I understand that the laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telemedicine, and that no information obtained in the use of telemedicine which identifies me will be disclosed to researchers or other entities without my consent.
2. I understand and acknowledge that there will not be any physical examination involved and the consultation services shall be provided via video only.
3. I understand that I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of telemedicine during my care at any time, without affecting my right to future care or treatment.
4. I understand that in case of inadequate video conference equipment, technical error or defective internet connectivity the provider reserves the right to reschedule or cancel the appointment.
5. I also understand that if the provider believes I would be better served by a traditional face-to-face encounter, they may, at any time stop the telemedicine consult and schedule a face-to-face visit.
6. I understand that a variety of alternative methods of medical care may be available to me, and that I may choose one or more of these at any time.
7. I understand that telemedicine may involve electronic communication of my personal medical information to other medical practitioners who may be located in other areas, including out of state.
8. I understand that it is my duty to inform of electronic interactions regarding my care that I may have with other healthcare providers.
9. I understand that I may expect the anticipated benefits from the use of telemedicine in my care, but that no results can be guaranteed or assured.
10. I understand that the online consultation services are not meant in any way for emergency conditions.

By clicking the box agree to consent, you have read the above “Explicit Informed consent for Telemedicine Consultation” and you wish to continue with telemedicine consultation by one or more of the communication methods available.