Terms and Conditions

Telehealth Informed Consent & Terms of Service

Practice Name: My Virtual Doctor

Jurisdiction: Republic of South Africa

Governing Laws: POPIA (2013); National Health Act (2003); HPCSA Ethical Guidelines

1. Nature of Telehealth Consultation

I, the Patient, understand that “Telehealth” involves the use of electronic communications to enable a healthcare provider at a different location to share individual patient medical data for the purpose of improving patient care.

  • I understand that a virtual consultation has inherent limitations, including the inability of the doctor to perform a physical examination (palpation, auscultation, etc.).
  • I understand that if the doctor determines the telehealth medium is insufficient to safely diagnose or treat my condition, I will be referred to an in-person facility, and the consultation fee will still apply for the professional time and triage provided.

2. Technical Requirements & Load Shedding

  • Patient Responsibility: I am responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection and a private, quiet environment for the consultation.
  • Load Shedding Clause: I acknowledge that scheduled or unscheduled power outages (Load Shedding) may affect the consultation.
    • If the Doctor is unavailable due to power/network failure, a full reschedule or refund will be offered.
    • If the Patient is unavailable due to their local power/network failure without 1-hour prior notice, the “No-Show” policy (Section 5) will apply. We recommend checking your local Load Shedding schedule before booking.

3. Clinical Discretion (Sick Notes & Scripts)

  • No Guarantee of Outcome: I understand that I am paying for a clinical assessment, not a specific document.
  • Refusal Rights: The doctor reserves the right to refuse the issuance of a medical certificate (sick note) or a prescription (specifically Schedule 5 or 6 substances) if it is deemed clinically inappropriate or if a physical examination is required by law. No refunds will be issued in the event of such a refusal.

4. Billing for Advice

  • I agree that a professional fee is charged for the doctor’s time and expertise.
  • Even if the final clinical advice is that no medication is required, or that I should go to a physical Emergency Room, the consultation fee remains fully payable.

5. Cancellations & Refunds

  • 1-Hour Rule: Cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least one (1) hour prior to the appointment start time.
  • Late Cancellations: Appointments cancelled less than 1 hour before the start time, or “No-Shows” where the patient does not join the link within 10 minutes of the start time, will be billed in full. No refunds will be issued for late cancellations.

6. Confidentiality & Security (POPIA)

  • I consent to my administrative data (Name, Cell, Email) being stored on the website and my clinical data (ID Number, Medical History) being stored on a secured, encrypted Virtual Private Server (VPS) located in [Insert Location, e.g., South Africa/USA].
  • I understand that while My Virtual Doctor employs high-level encryption and firewalls, no electronic transmission is 100% secure, and I accept this risk.

7. Emergency Acknowledgment

I CONFIRM THAT THIS IS NOT A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. I understand that if I am experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or symptoms of a stroke, or any other symptoms indicative of a medical emergency, I must immediately call 10111 or 082 911 or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room.

Patient Declaration

By clicking “I Agree” or proceeding to payment, I confirm that I am at least 18 years of age (or have parental consent), I am physically located in South Africa at the time of the call, and I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms above.