1. Introduction
These Terms of Service (“TOS”) govern your use of online medical services provided by Foster Carr MD (“Physician,” “Provider,” “we,” “us”). By scheduling an online appointment, registering, or accessing telemedicine services, you agree to these terms.
2. Medical Services and Limitations
- Foster Carr MD provides telemedicine services for eligible patients residing in California, including diagnostic consultations, treatment recommendations, follow-up care, and prescription services, at the sole discretion of the Provider.
- Online services are not appropriate for medical emergencies. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately.
- Some conditions may require an in-person evaluation or referral.
3. Patient Responsibilities and Consent
- You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current health information before and during the telemedicine visit.
- By using this service, you consent to receive medical care via telehealth technologies and understand the scope, limitations, and technical requirements of such care.
- You acknowledge that telemedicine involves the transmission of personal health information over electronic communication systems, and that there are potential risks to privacy and data security, despite best efforts and technological safeguards.
4. Privacy and Security of Health Information
- All communications, records, and medical data will be managed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and relevant California privacy laws.
- Patient information will not be shared with third parties without express written consent, except as needed for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or as required by law.
5. Communication Protocols
- Communications may occur via secure electronic platforms, email, video, and/or phone, depending on patient and platform capability.
- Secure messaging and documentation will be provided through a HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
- Response times may vary, but urgent clinical matters should not be transmitted electronically.
6. Fees, Payment, and Insurance
- Patients are responsible for all fees or copayments as outlined at the time of booking, regardless of insurance coverage.
- Insurance billing is offered for plans accepted by Foster Carr MD; self-pay options are available.
- Patients must notify the practice in advance if they wish to cancel or reschedule appointments to avoid fees.
7. Electronic Communications and Technology Risks
- Technical failures or interruptions can delay or impact medical care.
- Foster Carr MD is not responsible for data breaches or service interruptions outside of reasonable control.
8. Patient Rights and Grievance Procedures
- Patients have the right to ask questions, refuse or discontinue services, and access or correct their medical records in accordance with applicable laws.
- Complaints may be submitted via the patient portal or mailed to the office address provided.
9. Professional Judgment and Corporate Practice Restrictions
- All clinical decisions are made exclusively by Foster Carr MD, a licensed California physician, without interference from third parties, in compliance with California’s corporate practice of medicine doctrine.
- No non-physician individuals or entities will direct or control any aspect of patient clinical care.
10. Updates and Changes to the TOS
- Foster Carr MD reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to active patients.
- Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of revised terms.