Telehealth Informed Consent.
What telehealth is, how it works at Clinically Clear, the risks and benefits, and what you're agreeing to before your first video visit.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services using interactive technology — primarily live, two-way video — between a patient and a clinician who are in different locations. At Clinically Clear, telehealth means a scheduled video visit between you and Shelbi Arcand, NP, conducted over a secure platform.
Scope of services and limitations
Florida-only requirement
By law, you must be physically located in Florida at the time of your telehealth visit. Your residency does not satisfy this requirement; your physical location during the appointment does. If you are not in Florida at the scheduled appointment time, the visit cannot be conducted and must be rescheduled.
What telehealth can do well
- Conversations about symptoms, history, and concerns
- Acute issues that don't require an in-person physical exam
- Refills, medication management, and side-effect troubleshooting
- Wellness check-ins, preventive guidance, and care planning
- Follow-ups and ongoing care
What telehealth cannot do
- Hands-on physical examinations (Pap smears, pelvic exams, biopsies, palpation)
- Imaging or in-person diagnostic procedures
- Emergency care
- Certain specialized treatments that require physical presence
If your concern requires in-person care, we will tell you clearly and help you find an appropriate next step.
Not for emergencies
Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency situations. If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including severe pain, heavy bleeding, signs of stroke or heart attack, severe allergic reaction, suicidal thoughts, or any other condition that may threaten life or limb — call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. Clinically Clear is not monitored for emergency communications.
Benefits of telehealth
- Access to care from any private location in Florida
- Reduced travel, time off work, and waiting-room exposure
- Continuity of care for patients with mobility, transportation, or scheduling barriers
- Easier follow-up and ongoing care
- Discretion for sensitive topics
Risks and limitations of telehealth
- Technical issues — connection interruptions, audio/video quality issues, or platform outages may delay or interrupt a visit
- Limited physical assessment — without a hands-on exam, the clinician relies on what you describe and (where appropriate) what can be seen on camera; some conditions may be harder to assess than in person
- Privacy — telehealth platforms use security safeguards, but no electronic transmission is 100% secure; you are also responsible for choosing a private location for your visit so others nearby do not overhear
- Need for in-person referral — some conditions identified during a telehealth visit will require referral to in-person care, which may add time or cost
- Records — your telehealth visit creates clinical records that are stored in our secure system, subject to applicable privacy laws (see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices)
Alternatives to telehealth
You always have the option to seek care from an in-person provider instead of, or in addition to, telehealth at Clinically Clear. We can help identify in-person resources when needed.
Privacy and confidentiality
All telehealth visits are conducted using a HIPAA-aware video platform with encryption in transit. Visits are not recorded unless you and the clinician explicitly agree to recording in advance, in writing. Clinical notes from your visit are stored in our secure electronic record system. For details on how your Protected Health Information is handled, see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
You are responsible for being in a private space where others cannot overhear or view your visit, and for using a device and network that you reasonably believe to be secure.
Recording the visit
You may not record the telehealth visit (audio or video) without the clinician's prior written consent. The clinician will not record your visit without your prior written consent, except where legally required.
Prescriptions
When clinically appropriate, prescriptions may be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. Some medications, including most controlled substances, have additional regulatory requirements and may not be appropriate or permissible to prescribe via telehealth.
Fees and payment
Specific visit fees, accepted payment methods, and any insurance arrangements will be disclosed at booking and prior to the visit. You are responsible for any fees agreed to at the time of booking.
Cancellations and no-shows
Cancellation and no-show policies (including any associated fees) will be disclosed at booking. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- Withhold or withdraw your consent to telehealth at any time without affecting your right to future care or treatment
- Request that the visit be conducted in person instead, where feasible (subject to scope of services)
- Request an alternative communication method or accommodation (see our Accessibility Statement)
- Discuss any aspect of your care with the clinician
- Receive a copy of your records, request amendments, and exercise your other HIPAA rights as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices
Acknowledgment & consent
By booking and attending a telehealth visit at Clinically Clear, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consent to the terms in this document. The clinician will also confirm your verbal consent at the start of your first visit. You may withdraw consent at any time by notifying us; withdrawal of consent does not affect care that has already been provided.
See also our Privacy Policy, Notice of Privacy Practices, and Terms of Use.