Terms & Conditions for using the website and telerehabilitation
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No representation or warranty is made as to the completeness of the information provided. The information may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors or omissions beyond our control.
Finally, Groupe PhysioExtra is not responsible for any damage to the user's equipment that may result from the use of this site.
CONSENT IN THE CONTEXT OF A MEDICAL CONSULTATION USING AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEDIUM BY A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF GROUPE PHYSIOEXTRA.
By using Groupe PhysioExtra's telerehabilitation service, you consent to its health professionals offering you a consultation and rehabilitation service at a distance ("telerehabilitation"). These consultations remain confidential at all times. You must ensure that you have a good Internet connection to avoid service interruptions and that you are in a private room to keep the images and sound confidential. You also agree to show a valid photo ID at each appointment, upon request if necessary.
Despite the efforts of Groupe PhysioExtra to maintain a reliable and secure connection, this technology has its limitations and risks including loss of definition of images and sound as well as a breach of confidentiality (please refer to Appendix A - Risks associated with the use of an electronic communication medium).
By using the telerehabilitation services of Groupe PhysioExtra, you consent to the opening of a patient file in the clinic where the information transmitted during the consultation(s) will be filed. The clinical notes of each client will be kept confidential in the secure files of Group PhysioExtra. You also understand that, although telerehabilitation is a convenient way for you to consult, the diagnostic impression may be limited without a physical examination and that an in-clinic consultation may be indicated in case of unfavourable evolution.
ANNEX A
Risks associated with the use of electronic means of communication
The health professional will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of information sent and received through the use of electronic means of communication. However, due to the risks mentioned below, the healthcare professional cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications:
- The use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information may increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.
- Despite reasonable efforts to protect personal information and ensure the security of electronic communications, it is not possible to fully secure such information.
- Employers and online services may have a legal right to inspect and retain electronic communications received and transmitted through their systems.
- Electronic communications may introduce malicious software into a computer system which may damage or disrupt the computer, computer network or security systems.
- Electronic communications may be redirected, intercepted, broadcast, stored or even altered without the knowledge or permission of the healthcare professional or patient.
- Even if the sender and recipient have deleted the electronic messages, there may be back-up copies on a computer system.
- Electronic communications may be disclosed under a duty to report or a court order.
The use of email or text messages as a means of electronic communication carries the following additional risks:
- Emails can be easily redirected, increasing the risk of unintentional sending to an unknown recipient.
- It is easier to forge an email than a handwritten or signed document.
- Furthermore, it is impossible to verify the identity of the sender or to ensure that only the recipient will be able to read the email once it is sent.
Conditions of use of telerehabilitation services
- Electronic communications relating to diagnosis and treatment may be fully printed or transcribed and become part of the medical record. Other persons with access rights to the medical record, such as staff and billing personnel, may also have access to these communications.
- The health professional may redirect electronic communications to his or her staff or others involved in the provision and administration of care. The health professional may use one or more services to communicate with these stakeholders. However, the health professional may not redirect electronic communications to third parties, including family members, without the patient's prior written consent, except as permitted or required by law.
- It is the patient's responsibility to inform the healthcare professional of his or her geographic location during the medical consultation with Groupe PhysioExtra. The patient must be in the province in which the health professional is licensed to practise.
- The patient agrees to inform the health professional of any type of information that he/she does not wish to discuss through the telerehabilitation services. The patient may change this list at any time by notifying the health professional in writing.
- The healthcare professional is not responsible for loss of information due to technical failures related to the patient's software or Internet service provider.
Instructions for communicating via telerehabilitation
Patients communicating with their healthcare professional via telerehabilitation should :
- Avoid using a computer owned by their employer or a third party whenever possible.
- Inform the health professional of any changes to his/her email, mobile phone number or any other information required for the use of this service.
- Identify themselves with photo identification issued by a government institution, if requested by the healthcare professional.
- Confirm the territory in which they are located and where the health professional confirms they are licensed to practise in that territory.