BloomNow Telehealth Medical Consent 

Last Updated: May 1, 2023 

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Introduction

This document serves as your informed consent to receive Telehealth Services through BloomNow, facilitated by Salve Care PLLC, utilizing our digital platforms including our website and mobile applications. This consent supplements our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Notice of Privacy Practices, without altering their terms. 

By engaging with our Telehealth Services through actions such as creating an account, initiating a consultation, or expressly consenting to telehealth, you acknowledge your understanding and agreement to the terms outlined herein. Your continued use of BloomNow’s Telehealth Services constitutes ongoing consent to these terms and any updates thereto.

Understanding Telehealth

Telehealth represents a significant advancement in the delivery of healthcare services, leveraging the power of digital technology to bridge the physical distance between patients and healthcare providers. It encompasses a broad spectrum of services, including but not limited to, remote clinical services, health education, and healthcare administration. Through telehealth, patients can access medical expertise quickly, efficiently, and without the need for traditional face-to-face appointments. This mode of healthcare delivery utilizes a variety of platforms, such as video conferencing, health monitoring apps, electronic consults, and wireless communications to facilitate health and wellness interactions. The essence of telehealth lies in its ability to make healthcare accessible and manageable, especially for those in remote areas or for individuals who face mobility challenges. It’s a forward-thinking approach that integrates the convenience of modern technology with the critical need for accessible healthcare services. 

Benefits of Telehealth 

The advent of telehealth has transformed the healthcare landscape, offering a multitude of benefits that cater to the modern patient’s needs. One of the primary advantages is the unparalleled access it provides to specialized healthcare services, particularly for individuals in rural or underserved regions. This democratization of healthcare ensures that geographical barriers no longer impede one’s ability to receive quality care. Furthermore, telehealth promotes a significant reduction in healthcare costs, minimizing the need for expensive hospital visits and allowing for more efficient management of chronic conditions. Patients benefit from a marked increase in engagement with their healthcare, as telehealth facilitates more frequent and convenient interactions with healthcare providers. This enhanced communication leads to better disease management, improved health outcomes, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Additionally, telehealth services offer the flexibility of receiving care in the comfort of one’s home, which can be particularly beneficial for the elderly, disabled, or those with compromised immune systems, thereby reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Telehealth Risks

While telehealth offers numerous advantages, it’s important to recognize the inherent risks associated with the delivery of healthcare services through digital platforms. One of the primary concerns is the potential for incomplete information, as the absence of physical examinations might limit the healthcare provider’s ability to make a comprehensive assessment. This could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in some cases. Technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity or system malfunctions, can disrupt the flow of communication between patient and provider, potentially affecting the quality of care received. Privacy and security of health data are also significant concerns, as the transmission of sensitive information over the internet poses a risk of data breaches. Patients must be vigilant about the security measures adopted by telehealth platforms to protect their personal health information. Additionally, the impersonal nature of remote consultations may not suit all patients, particularly those who prefer face-to-face interactions, potentially impacting the patient-provider relationship.

Patient Acknowledgments

By opting for telehealth services through BloomNow, patients acknowledge a comprehensive understanding of what telehealth entails, including its scope, capabilities, and limitations. Patients recognize the importance of providing complete and accurate health information to ensure the best possible care. They understand the confidentiality risks associated with electronic communication and agree to the use of telehealth technologies under the assurance of stringent privacy and security measures. Patients are aware that while telehealth offers convenience and accessibility, it may not be suitable for all types of medical conditions or emergencies. They acknowledge the possibility of being referred to in-person care when deemed necessary by their healthcare provider. Patients consent to the involvement of auxiliary personnel in telehealth sessions for operational support and accept the use of asynchronous communication methods as part of their care when appropriate. They understand their right to withdraw consent at any time and are informed about the procedures for accessing their health records and sharing them with other healthcare providers. By engaging with BloomNow’s telehealth services, patients agree to a partnership based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect, aimed at achieving the best possible health outcomes. 

By consenting to BloomNow’s Telehealth Services, you acknowledge and agree to the following: 

You have read and understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of receiving healthcare services via telehealth. 

You are aware of the privacy risks associated with electronic communication. 

You understand that your healthcare provider may include professionals other than physicians, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants. 

You consent to the presence of other individuals during the telehealth session for operational or translation assistance, when necessary. 

You acknowledge the accuracy and completeness of information provided during telehealth services. 

You consent to asynchronous healthcare services when deemed appropriate by your provider. 

You understand that prescription decisions are at the professional discretion of your provider. 

You acknowledge the potential for technical failures and agree to hold BloomNow and its affiliates harmless for such occurrences. 

You understand the limitations and potential defects of diagnostic testing services provided through the platform. 

You acknowledge that BloomNow facilitates access to a specific set of services and that additional healthcare needs may require alternative resources. 

You understand the importance of regularly checking the BloomNow platform for communications from your provider. 

You have discussed and understand the alternatives to telehealth services. 

You understand your rights to access your medical records and share them with your primary care or other treating providers. 

You acknowledge the option to choose your pharmacy or diagnostic lab services. 

You agree that BloomNow, as a third-party beneficiary, has the right to enforce this Telehealth Medical Consent. 

For further assistance or to address any concerns, please contact BloomNow’s support team directly. 

 State-Specific Information for Filing Complaints This section outlines the process for Bloom Now Platform users who wish to submit a complaint about a healthcare provider, in accordance with the regulations of the states listed below:

Iowa: To initiate a formal complaint about a healthcare provider, please visit the Iowa Medical Board’s website at Iowa Medical Board Complaints. 

Kentucky: For the process of filing a formal complaint against a healthcare provider, please refer to the Kentucky Medical Board’s website at Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. 

Maine: To file a formal complaint against a healthcare provider, visit the Maine Medical Board’s website at Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. 

New York: Information regarding your rights and the procedure for reporting professional misconduct can be found here: New York State Health Department. 

Oregon: To submit a formal complaint about a healthcare provider, please visit the Oregon Medical Board’s website at Oregon Medical Board Complaints. 

Rhode Island: For the process of filing a formal complaint against a healthcare provider, please refer to the Rhode Island Medical Board’s website at Rhode Island Department of Health. 

Texas: The following notice is provided for your information: Complaints about physicians and other licensees of the Texas Medical Board can be reported for investigation at: Texas Medical Board, Attention: Investigations, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610, P.O. Box 2018, MC-263, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. Assistance is available by calling 1-800-201-9353. For more details, visit Texas Medical Board. 

Vermont: To initiate a formal complaint about a healthcare provider, please visit the Vermont Medical Board’s website at Vermont Board of Medical Practice; or for complaints regarding osteopathic physicians, visit the Board of Osteopathic Examiners at Vermont Secretary of State. 

Wyoming: For filing a formal complaint against a healthcare provider, please refer to the Wyoming Medical Board’s website at Wyoming Board of Medicine.