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Policies

Telehealth Services Policy

Weight Loss & Metabolic Health Clinic

1. Purpose of Telehealth Services

This policy outlines the standards, expectations, and limitations of telehealth services provided by our weight loss clinic. Telehealth allows patients to access weight management care remotely through secure audio and video technology while maintaining quality, safety, and confidentiality.

Telehealth services are intended to improve access to care, continuity of treatment, and patient engagement in sustainable weight loss and metabolic health.

2. Scope of Telehealth Services

Telehealth visits may include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical weight loss consultations

  • Nutrition counseling and education

  • Behavioral and lifestyle coaching

  • Medication management (when clinically appropriate)

  • Post-bariatric surgery support and follow-up

  • Progress monitoring and goal setting

Some services may require in-person visits, including physical examinations, diagnostic testing, or treatments that cannot be safely performed remotely.

3. Patient Eligibility

To participate in telehealth services, patients must:

  • Be physically located in a state where the provider is licensed at the time of the visit

  • Have access to a secure internet connection, camera, and microphone

  • Be capable of participating in video or audio visits

  • Complete all required intake forms and consent documents

The clinic reserves the right to determine whether telehealth is clinically appropriate for each patient.

4. Informed Consent

Before receiving telehealth services, patients must provide informed consent acknowledging:

  • Telehealth is not the same as in-person care

  • There may be technical limitations or interruptions

  • All medical decisions are based on patient-reported information

  • Telehealth may not be appropriate for emergencies

Consent may be obtained electronically and must be on file prior to services being rendered.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

All telehealth services are conducted using HIPAA-compliant platforms. The clinic takes reasonable steps to protect patient privacy and health information.

Patients are responsible for:

  • Participating in visits from a private, secure location

  • Protecting personal login information

  • Ensuring others cannot overhear sensitive discussions

No recording of visits is permitted without prior written consent from both the patient and provider.

6. Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth has inherent limitations, including:

  • Inability to perform hands-on physical examinations

  • Reliance on patient-reported symptoms and measurements

  • Possible technology failures

If the provider determines telehealth is insufficient, the patient may be referred for in-person care or to another appropriate healthcare provider.

7. Emergency and Urgent Care

Telehealth services are not intended for medical emergencies.

Patients should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if experiencing:

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Signs of stroke or other medical emergencies

The clinic does not provide emergency care via telehealth.

8. Prescribing Policy

Medications may be prescribed through telehealth when clinically appropriate and in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Prescribing decisions are based on:

  • Medical history

  • Current symptoms

  • Available clinical data

Certain medications may require in-person evaluations or laboratory testing prior to initiation or continuation.

9. Appointment Attendance and Technology Issues

Patients are expected to:

  • Join appointments on time

  • Test technology prior to the visit

  • Notify the clinic promptly if technical issues arise

Missed or late appointments may be subject to the clinic’s cancellation or no-show policy.

10. Payment and Insurance

Telehealth services may be billed to insurance or self-pay depending on coverage and clinic policy.

Patients are responsible for:

  • Understanding their insurance benefits

  • Copayments, deductibles, or self-pay fees

  • Charges for missed appointments, if applicable

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in regulations, technology, or clinical practice. Patients will be notified of material changes as required.

12. Patient Acknowledgment

By participating in telehealth services, patients acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to this policy.

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how our weight loss clinic (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, protects, and discloses your personal and health information when you receive services through our website, telehealth platform, or related communications.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

​Personal Information

  • Name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number

  • Insurance information and payment details

  • Account login credentials

Health Information (Protected Health Information – PHI)

  • Medical history and health conditions

  • Weight, BMI, and other health metrics

  • Medication history and prescriptions

  • Nutrition, lifestyle, and behavioral information

  • Telehealth visit notes and treatment plans

Technical Information

  • IP address and device information

  • Website usage data (cookies and analytics)

  • Telehealth platform connection data

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

  • Provide medical and weight loss services

  • Deliver telehealth consultations and follow-up care

  • Develop personalized treatment and coaching plans

  • Process payments and insurance claims

  • Communicate appointment reminders and care updates

  • Improve services, quality, and patient experience

  • Meet legal, regulatory, and licensing requirements

We only use or disclose information that is necessary to provide care or operate our clinic.

3. HIPAA Compliance

We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws.

Your Protected Health Information (PHI) is:

  • Accessed only by authorized staff and providers

  • Stored securely using administrative, technical, and physical safeguards

  • Shared only as permitted or required by law

A separate Notice of Privacy Practices may be provided where required by law.

4. Telehealth Privacy

Telehealth services are conducted using HIPAA-compliant platforms.

While we take strong measures to protect your data:

  • No electronic system is completely risk-free

  • Patients are responsible for choosing a private location

  • Patients should secure their own devices and internet connections

Recording of telehealth sessions is prohibited unless written consent is obtained from all parties.

5. Sharing of Information

We may share your information only when necessary and permitted, including:

  • With healthcare providers involved in your care

  • With insurance companies for billing purposes

  • With service providers that support clinic operations (HIPAA-compliant vendors)

  • When required by law (e.g., public health reporting, court orders)

  • To prevent serious harm to you or others

We do not sell your personal or health information.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and request copies of your medical records

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

  • Request confidential communications

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • File a complaint without fear of retaliation

Requests must be submitted in writing and will be addressed within required timeframes.

7. Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to:

  • Improve website functionality

  • Understand user behavior and trends

  • Enhance user experience

Cookies do not collect medical information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • Secure servers and encrypted systems

  • Password-protected platforms

  • Limited staff access based on role

  • Regular review of privacy and security practices

Despite safeguards, no system can guarantee absolute security.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 without appropriate parental or legal consent.

10. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be posted on our website with the revised effective date.

Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to privacy, please contact:

Privacy Officer: [Name or Title]
Email: [Privacy Email]
Phone: [Clinic Phone Number]
Address: [Clinic Address]

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