County Medical Services Limited

Patient information and consent for online consultations

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Before proceeding with your online consultation, please read the following information carefully. Additional information is available in our FAQ section.

This information supports informed consent for an online consultation but does not replace individual clinical advice. If I am unsure whether an online consultation is suitable for my condition, I should consult an appropriate healthcare professional before booking.

County Medical Services Limited does not prescribe, issue or authorise medicines through online consultations. Any recommendation about medication must be taken to my GP or another appropriate prescribing clinician for assessment and, where clinically appropriate, prescribing.

By ticking the box when requesting an online appointment or continuing with your consultation, you confirm that you understand and consent to the following:

I confirm that I am able to give consent for this online consultation.

What is an online medical consultation?

An online medical consultation lets you discuss health concerns with a healthcare professional through a secure digital platform. It may provide advice and assessment without a clinic visit. County Medical Services Limited does not prescribe medicines through online consultations.

Benefits of an online consultation

I understand that online consultations may provide several benefits, including:

• Convenient access to healthcare from a location of my choice.
• Reduced travel time and waiting times.
• Easier access to follow-up appointments and routine care.
• Timely assessment and management of many common medical conditions.
• Reduced exposure to infectious illnesses that may be present in healthcare settings.

Limitations of an online consultation

I understand that online consultations have important limitations, including that:

• The healthcare professional cannot perform a physical examination or certain diagnostic tests during the consultation.
• The quality of the consultation may be affected by technical problems such as poor internet connectivity, audio or video quality, or interruptions.
• Some symptoms or medical conditions may not be fully assessed remotely, which could limit diagnostic accuracy.
• A diagnosis may be based primarily on the information I provide, and incomplete or inaccurate information may affect clinical decisions.
• Additional investigations, photographs, laboratory tests, imaging, or an in-person examination may be required before a diagnosis or treatment can be confirmed.
• The clinician may determine that an online consultation is not appropriate for my condition and may recommend or require a face-to-face assessment.
• We will make reasonable adjustments where possible, but I may not receive the full benefit of an online consultation if I am uncomfortable using online technology or communicating virtually.

Alternatives to an online consultation

I understand that alternatives to an online consultation include:

• A face-to-face consultation with a healthcare professional.
• A telephone consultation, where appropriate.
• Attendance at an urgent care centre or emergency department if my condition requires immediate assessment.
• Seeking care from my usual healthcare provider or another appropriate healthcare service.

I understand that I am free to choose an alternative form of consultation where available and clinically appropriate.

County Medical Services Limited does not offer face-to-face appointments. If one is clinically necessary, the consultant will discuss this with me and advise on referral to an appropriate consultant, my GP or another suitable service.

My responsibilities

I confirm that:

• I have provided information that is accurate, complete, and truthful to the best of my knowledge.
• I will complete my medical profile and tell County Medical Services Limited about any special needs or communication requirements so that I can receive safe and effective care.
• During the consultation, I may be asked to confirm my identity, for example by showing photo identification.
• I will inform the clinician of any changes to my symptoms, medicines, allergies or medical history. I understand that this information is required for safe assessment and advice and does not mean that County Medical Services Limited will prescribe medicines online.
• I understand that I should ask questions if I do not understand any aspect of my care or the recommendations provided.

Privacy and confidentiality

I understand that I should complete the consultation in a private and safe location where I can speak freely. If another person is present during the consultation, I will tell the clinician who they are and confirm whether I agree to them being present.

I understand that:

• My personal and health information will be collected, used, stored, and protected in accordance with County Medical Services Limited privacy and data protection policies.
• The consultation will form part of my medical record.
• Reasonable measures are taken to protect the security and confidentiality of the consultation, although no electronic communication system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Emergencies

I understand that online consultations are not appropriate for medical emergencies.

If I experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, symptoms of stroke, a severe allergic reaction, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or another life-threatening condition, I will call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department immediately.

Possible outcomes of consultation

Possible outcomes include:

• Advice and reassurance given.
• Treatment options discussed, with advice to contact my GP or another appropriate prescribing clinician if medication may be required.
• Tests or investigations recommended.
• Referred for a face-to-face consultation.
• Referred to another specialist.
• Referred back to your GP with a further management plan.
• Follow-up recommended.

County Medical Services Limited does not offer face-to-face appointments, provide procedures, perform tests or prescribe medicines through online consultations. If an examination, procedure, test or medication assessment is required, I will be advised to contact my GP, an appropriate consultant or another suitable provider.

Consent

By ticking the box when requesting an online appointment or continuing with this online consultation, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood the information above.
• I understand the benefits, limitations, and alternatives to an online consultation.
• I have had the opportunity to decide whether an online consultation is appropriate for me.
• I understand that the clinician may recommend an in-person assessment or referral if this is clinically necessary.
• I voluntarily consent to receive healthcare services through this online consultation.

I understand that I may withdraw my consent to an online consultation at any time before or during the consultation. Withdrawing consent will not affect my right to seek care through another appropriate service.

Consent to Email Correspondence

I consent to receive clinical correspondence, where required, by email at the address I have provided.