Econfirm Consent

PATIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT:

I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the risks, limitations, conditions of use, and instructions for use of the selected electronic communication Services more fully described in the Appendix to this consent form. I understand and accept the risks outlined in the Appendix to this consent form, associated with the use of the Services in communications with the Physician and the Physician’s staff. I consent to the conditions and will follow the instructions outlined in the Appendix, as well as any other conditions that the Physician may impose on communications with patients using the Services.

I acknowledge and understand that despite recommendations that encryption software be used as a security mechanism for electronic communications, it is possible that communications with the Physician or the Physician’s staff using the Services may not be encrypted. Despite this, I agree to communicate with the Physician or the Physician’s staff using these Services with a full understanding of the risk.

I acknowledge that either I or the Physician may, at any time, withdraw the option of communicating electronically through the Services upon providing written notice. Any questions I had have been answered.

APPENDIX

The Physician will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of information sent and received using the Services (“Services” is defined in the attached Consent to use electronic communications). However, because of the risks outlined below, the Physician cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications:

• Use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information can increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.
• Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information.
• Employers and online services may have a legal right to inspect and keep electronic communications that pass through their system.
• Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system, and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings.
• Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored or even changed without the knowledge or permission of the Physician or the patient.
• Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, back-up copies may exist on a computer system.
• Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order.

If the email or text is used as an e-communication tool, the following are additional risks:

• Email, text messages, and instant messages can more easily be misdirected, resulting in increased risk of being received by unintended and unknown recipients.
• Email, text messages, and instant messages can be easier to falsify than handwritten or signed hard copies. It is not feasible to verify the true identity of the sender, or to ensure that only the recipient can read the message once it has been sent.

Conditions of using the Services

• The Services is intended for use of communicating appointment reminder details. The Services will not be used for medical emergencies or other timesensitive matters. The Physician or their staff will not review any submissions made through the Services by patients. Patient submissions regarding appointment confirmations will be received and handled by an automated system.
• If your electronic communication requires or invites a response from the Physician and you have not received a response within a reasonable time period, it is your responsibility to follow-up to determine whether the intended recipient received the electronic communication and when the recipient will respond.
• Electronic communication is not an appropriate substitute for in-person or over-the-telephone communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed. You are responsible for following up on the Physician’s electronic communication and for scheduling appointments where warranted.
• The Physician may forward electronic communications to staff and those involved in the delivery and administration of your care. The Physician might use one or more of the Services to communicate with those involved in your care. The Physician will not forward electronic communications to third parties, including family members, without your prior written consent, except as authorized or required by law.
• The Services will not be used to communicate sensitive medical information about matters such as sexually transmitted disease, AIDS/HIV, mental health, developmental disability, or substance abuse. Similarly, the Physician will not discuss such matters via the Services.
• The Physician is not responsible for information loss due to technical failures associated with your software or internet service provider.
• Interactions with the Services through mobile phones may incur text (SMS), data or roaming charges depending on your plan with your carrier.

Instructions for communication using the Services

• To communicate using the Services, you must inform the Physician of any changes in the patient’s email address, mobile phone number, or other account information necessary to communicate via the Services.

If the Services include email, instant messaging and/or text messaging, the following applies:

• Take precautions to preserve the confidentiality of electronic communications, such as using screen savers and safeguarding computer passwords.
• Withdraw consent only by email or written communication to the Physician.
• If you require immediate assistance, or if your condition appears serious or rapidly worsens, you should not rely on the Services. Rather, you should call the Physician’s office or take other measures as appropriate, such as going to the nearest Emergency Department or urgent care clinic.

I have reviewed and understand all of the risks, conditions, and instructions described in this Appendix.