Telehealth Informed Consent Policy

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1. Purpose and Scope

This Telehealth Informed Consent Policy explains the nature, benefits, limitations, and risks of receiving physiotherapy services remotely throughTheLivingWellPhysio.com.. It applies to all clients, patients, and users who receive telehealth consultations, assessments, exercise coaching, or follow-up care from our clinicians worldwide.

2. Definition of Telehealth Services

Telehealth services include synchronous video consultations, telephone consultations, asynchronous messaging, secure file exchange, digital exercise prescription, remote monitoring, and any other clinical interactions conducted using electronic communications and internet-based platforms.

3. Voluntary Consent and Right to Decline

Consent to telehealth is entirely voluntary. You may decline telehealth services and instead seek in-person care where available. Your decision to accept or decline telehealth will not affect your right to future care, except where a particular service is only available remotely.

4. Nature and Expected Benefits

Telehealth enables remote access to physiotherapy for assessment, rehabilitation guidance, education, and self-management support. Expected benefits include increased convenience, timely access to care, reduced travel time, and continuity of treatment when in-person visits are impractical.

5. Limitations and Risks

• Diagnostic Limitations Visual and remote examination may be less comprehensive than hands-on assessment and may limit certain clinical findings. Some conditions require in-person examination, imaging, or specialist referral.

• Technology Risks Consultations depend on internet connectivity, device performance, and third-party platforms. Disruptions, poor video/audio quality, or data loss may impair care delivery.

• Privacy and Security Risks Although we use secure platforms and safeguards, no electronic system is completely immune to unauthorized access, interception, or breaches.

• Clinical Risks Remote guidance for exercises and manual techniques carries the risk of adverse reactions, aggravation of symptoms, or injury if exercises are performed incorrectly.

• Emergency Limitations Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies or urgent medical conditions that require immediate in-person evaluation and treatment.

6. Alternatives to Telehealth

Alternatives include in-person assessment and treatment with a local clinician, referral to specialist services, or deferring care until an in-person visit is feasible. We will advise when an in-person assessment is recommended.

7. How Telehealth Sessions Work

• Scheduling You will book telehealth sessions through our booking system or as agreed with your clinician. Confirmation will include platform access details and any pre-session instructions.

• Identification and Verification Clinicians will verify identity at the start of the session by asking for your full name, date of birth, or other agreed identifiers.

• Location and Safety You must arrange a private, quiet, and well-lit space with sufficient room to perform movement tests safely. Do not perform activities that feel unsafe.

• Recording Sessions We will not record sessions without your explicit written consent. If a recording is made for clinical, training, or quality purposes you will be informed and given the option to decline where local law requires it.

• Clinical Documentation Consultations will be documented in your health record consistent with clinical standards and applicable law.

8. Client Responsibilities

• Provide Accurate Information You must provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date health history, medication lists, allergies, symptom details, and contact information.

• Prepare Environment Ensure adequate space, appropriate clothing, a stable internet connection, and any equipment requested by the clinician.

• Safety During Exercises Stop any exercise that causes sharp, severe, or unusual pain and report adverse effects immediately.

• Local Emergency Planning Know how to access local emergency services and arrange a support person if clinically advised.

9. Clinician Responsibilities

• Competence Clinicians will provide care within their professional scope, maintain licensure and credentials as required, and follow clinical best practice.

• Privacy and Security Clinicians will use secure platforms and follow our privacy and data-protection practices to the extent reasonably possible.

• Referral and Escalation Clinicians will refer to in-person care or emergency services if remote assessment suggests this is necessary.

10. Privacy and Data Handling

Telehealth sessions involve collection, storage, and transmission of personal health information. We handle data as described in our Privacy Policy. You consent to the transfer and storage of your information for the purpose of providing clinical care, quality assurance, and legal compliance.

11. Cross-Border Considerations and Jurisdiction

Telehealth may involve clinicians and clients located in different jurisdictions. Clinical practice, licensure, and regulatory requirements vary by location. We will inform you if a requested service is restricted due to jurisdictional limitations and will not provide services where prohibited by law or regulation.

12. Consent Withdrawal and Modification

You may withdraw or modify consent for telehealth at any time by notifying us by email. Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing conducted prior to withdrawal and may limit the scope of services we can provide remotely.

13. Fees, Billing, and Insurance

Fees for telehealth services are displayed at the point of booking. Payment methods and refund policies apply as set out in our Terms of Service and Refund Policy. Coverage by health insurers varies by plan and jurisdiction. You are responsible for confirming reimbursement eligibility with your insurer.

14. Emergencies and Escalation

If you experience an emergency or a sudden severe change in condition during or after a telehealth session, seek immediate local medical care or contact local emergency services. Inform your clinician as soon as possible about any escalation or adverse events.

15. Minors and Incapacitated Persons

Telehealth services for minors or persons lacking capacity require consent from a parent or legal guardian. Clinicians may require additional documentation and will follow applicable local legal and professional safeguards.

16. Complaints and Clinical Concerns

If you have concerns about clinical care or wish to file a complaint, contact us by email. We will acknowledge complaints, investigate promptly, and take reasonable corrective action when appropriate.

17. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Telehealth Informed Consent Policy to reflect legal, regulatory, technological, or business changes. The version posted on the website with the Effective Date is the current policy.

18. Acceptance

By using or scheduling telehealth services withTheLivingWellPhysio.com you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Telehealth Informed Consent Policy.

19. Contact

For questions about this policy or to withdraw consent email thelivingwellphysio@gmail.com.