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Telehealth involves the use of secure electronic communications, information technology, or other means to enable a healthcare provider and a patient at different locations to communicate and share individual patient health information for the purpose of rendering clinical care.  This “Telehealth Informed Consent” informs the patient (“patient,” “you,” or “your”) concerning the treatment methods, risks, and limitations of using a telehealth platform.  

Services Provided:

Telehealth services offered by Valera Medical, P.A. (“Group”), and the Group’s engaged providers (our “Providers” or your “Provider”) may include a patient consultation, diagnosis, treatment recommendation, prescription, and/or a referral to in-person care, as determined clinically appropriate (the “Services”).  

Valera Health, Inc. does not provide the Services; it performs administrative, payment, and other supportive activities for Group and our Providers.

Electronic Transmissions:

The types of electronic transmissions that may occur using the telehealth platform include, but are not limited to:

Expected Benefits:

Service Limitations:

Security Measures:

The electronic communication systems we use 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.  All the Services delivered to the patient through telehealth will be delivered over a secure connection that complies with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). 

Possible Risks:

Patient Acknowledgments:

I further acknowledge and understand the following:

  1. Prior to the telehealth visit, I will be given an opportunity to select a provider as appropriate, including a review of the provider’s credentials, or I have elected to visit with the next available provider from Group, and have been given my Provider’s credentials.
  2. If I am experiencing a medical emergency, I will be directed to dial 9-1-1 immediately and my Provider is not able to connect me directly to any local emergency services.
  3. I may elect to seek services from a medical group with in-person clinics as an alternative to receiving telehealth services.
  4. I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of telehealth in the course of my care at any time without affecting my right to future care or treatment.
  5. Federal and state law requires health care providers to protect the privacy and the security of health information.  I am entitled to all confidentiality protections under applicable federal and state laws.  I understand all medical reports resulting from the telehealth visit are part of my medical record.
  6. Group will take steps to make sure that my health information is not seen by anyone who should not see it. Telehealth may involve electronic communication of my personal health information to other health practitioners who may be located in other areas, including out of state. I consent to Group using and disclosing my health information for purposes of my treatment (e.g., prescription information) and care coordination, to receive reimbursement for the services provided to me, and for Group’s health care operations.
  7. Dissemination of any patient-identifiable images or information from the telehealth visit to researchers or other educational entities will not occur without my consent unless authorized by state or federal law. I consent to my de-identified data being used for research purposes, as the Group periodically participates in clinical and scientific research to improve mental health treatment. From time to time the Group may also use my data for internal quality improvement projects.
  8. There is a risk of technical failures during the telehealth visit beyond the control of Group. 
  9. In choosing to participate in a telehealth visit, I understand that some parts of the Services involving tests (e.g., labs or bloodwork) may be conducted at another location such as a testing facility, at the direction of my Provider.
  10. Persons may be present during the telehealth visit other than my Provider who will be participating in, observing, or listening to my consultation with my Provider (e.g., in order to operate the telehealth technologies). If another person is present during the telehealth visit, I will be informed of the individual’s presence and his/her role.
  11. My Provider will explain my diagnosis and its evidentiary basis, and the risks and benefits of various treatment options.
  12. I have the right to request a copy of my medical records.  I can request to obtain or send a copy of my medical records to my primary care or other designated health care provider by contacting Group at: 646-450-7748 or wellness@valerahealth.com.   A copy will be provided to me at a reasonable cost of preparation, shipping and delivery.  
  13. It is necessary to provide my Provider a complete, accurate, and current medical history.  I understand that I can request access, amendments, or the opportunity to review my information.
  14. There is no guarantee that I will be issued a prescription and that the decision of whether a prescription is appropriate will be made in the professional judgment of my Provider.  If my Provider issues a prescription, I have the right to select the pharmacy of my choice.
  15. There is no guarantee that I will be treated by a Group provider. My Provider reserves the right to deny care for potential misuse of the Services or for any other reason if, in the professional judgment of my Provider, the provision of the Services is not medically or ethically appropriate.  
  16. If I am a guardian or parent of a minor who is a patient of the group, I understand that at least one adult caregiver should be available during the session (either in person or reachable by phone).
  17. I understand that for most effective treatment, the presence of others in the therapy space should be minimized to the extent possible.

Additional State-Specific Consents:

I confirm that I have been notified which state(s) my provider is licensed to practice, and that I plan to attend sessions in the licensed state(s). Further, it is my responsibility to notify my provider of any changes of my location more than 48 hours prior to the time of my next visit. The following consents apply to patients accessing Group’s website for the purposes of participating in a telehealth consultation as required by the states listed below:

Alaska: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Iowa: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Idaho: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Indiana: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Kentucky: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Maine: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here; Or, the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure’s website, here.

Oklahoma: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here; Or, the Oklahoma Board of Osteopathic Examiners’ website, here.

Rhode Island: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here.

Texas: I have been informed of the following notice:

NOTICE CONCERNING COMPLAINTS -Complaints about physicians, as well as other licensees and registrants of the Texas Medical Board, including physician assistants, acupuncturists, and surgical assistants may be reported for investigation at the following address: Texas Medical Board, Attention: Investigations, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610, P.O. Box 2018, MC-263, Austin, Texas 78768-2018, Assistance in filing a complaint is available by calling the following telephone number: 1-800-201-9353, For more information, please visit our website at www.tmb.state.tx.us.

AVISO SOBRE LAS QUEJAS- Las quejas sobre médicos, asi como sobre otros profesionales acreditados e inscritos del Consejo Médico de Tejas, incluyendo asistentes de médicos, practicantes de acupuntura y asistentes de cirugia, se pueden presentar en la siguiente dirección para ser investigadas: Texas Medical Board, Attention: Investigations, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610, P.O. Box 2018, MC-263, Austin, Texas 78768-2018, Si necesita ayuda para presentar una queja, llame al: 1-800-201-9353, Para obtener más información, visite nuestro sitio web en www.tmb.state.tx.us

Vermont: I have been informed that if I want to register a formal complaint about a provider, I should visit the medical board’s website, here; Or, the Vermont Board of Osteopathic Examiners’ website, here.

I understand that Valera conducts visits primarily through video. I understand that in certain circumstances we may provide audio-only services if video is unavailable. If I elect to do audio-only services, I understand there are certain limitations relative to video visits (i.e., controlled substances will not be prescribed if sessions are audio-only). Provider can elect to refer to in-person care if determined that proper care cannot be given with audio only.

My services delivered by audio-only telephone will be billed to my health insurance plan. I am financially responsible for any applicable co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. I understand that not all audio-only health care services are covered by all health plans.

Last Updated:  February 25, 2022

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