This page describes how telehealth visits work at Barron MD 360 and the rights, risks, and limitations you should understand before starting a telehealth appointment. By scheduling a telehealth visit, you confirm that you have read and agree to this consent.
What is telehealth
Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services through real-time, secure video and audio technology, allowing you to see and speak with your provider remotely. At Barron MD 360, telehealth visits are clinically equivalent to in-person visits for most endocrinology and rheumatology follow-up care, medication management, and consultations.
Benefits of telehealth
- Convenient access to specialist care without travel
- Lower cost than equivalent in-person visits when self-pay
- Reduced exposure to other patients in waiting rooms
- Easier scheduling for working patients and caregivers
- Continuity of care if you move or travel
Limitations and risks
Telehealth has limitations. Your provider cannot perform a hands-on physical exam, draw blood, or directly observe certain physical findings during a video visit. Connection issues, equipment failure, or audio/video quality problems can interrupt or delay your visit. Although the platform we use is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant, no electronic transmission can be guaranteed 100% secure.
If your provider determines during a telehealth visit that your condition requires in-person evaluation, imaging, lab work, or a procedure, they will refer you for that care. You may decline to continue a telehealth visit at any time and request to be seen in person instead.
Where you must be located
State law generally requires that the provider be licensed in the state where you (the patient) are physically located at the time of the telehealth visit. Our providers are licensed in specific states only. You must tell us your physical location at the start of every telehealth visit. If you are located in a state where our provider is not licensed, we may need to reschedule or refer you to a local provider.
Emergencies — telehealth is not for emergencies
Telehealth visits are not appropriate for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of stroke, suicidal thoughts, or any other life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not attempt to reach our office or wait for a telehealth visit.
Prescriptions
Your provider may prescribe medications during a telehealth visit when clinically appropriate. Federal law restricts the prescribing of controlled substances (including certain weight-loss medications, ADHD medications, and pain medications) via telehealth. In some cases, an in-person visit may be required before a controlled substance can be prescribed.
Privacy and confidentiality
Your telehealth visit is protected under HIPAA the same as an in-person visit. We use a secure, encrypted platform and your provider conducts visits from a private location. You are responsible for ensuring your own environment is private during the visit (e.g., a closed room where others cannot overhear). Visits are not recorded by our practice unless we have your separate written consent.
See our Notice of Privacy Practices for details on how we use and protect your health information.
Billing and insurance
Telehealth visits are billed at the same rate as in-person visits. Most major insurance plans cover telehealth (subject to your plan’s benefits, copays, and deductibles). Cash-pay rates are $400 for a new patient visit (20% off our $500 standard rate) and $200 for follow-up visits (20% off $250). You will be responsible for any portion of the visit cost not covered by your insurance.
Your rights
- You may withdraw your consent and stop a telehealth visit at any time
- You may request an in-person visit instead of telehealth
- You have the right to ask questions about your provider, your diagnosis, and your treatment plan
- You have the right to access a copy of your medical records, including telehealth visit notes
- Withdrawing consent will not affect your future care or your relationship with our practice
By scheduling a telehealth visit, you agree
When you schedule a telehealth visit with Rheumatology and Endocrinology Specialists of the Palm Beaches, you confirm that you have read this Telehealth Consent, you understand the benefits and limitations of telehealth, and you agree to receive care via telehealth subject to the terms above. You may revoke this consent in writing at any time.