Consent to electronic communication and associated risks

When booking an appointment through the Cortico booking system, patients are required to review and acknowledge their consent to communicate electronically with NovaMed Medical Clinic and to understand the associated risks and limitations.

1. Consent to electronic communication

Electronic communication may include, but is not limited to, email, text messaging, patient portal messaging, and virtual care platforms.

2. Privacy and security measures

NovaMed Medical Clinic takes reasonable steps to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of electronic communications. However, patients acknowledge that electronic communication involves inherent risks, and complete confidentiality or security cannot be guaranteed.

3. Acknowledgement of potential risks

By consenting to electronic communication, patients understand and accept that:

• Electronic messages may be intercepted, accessed, forwarded, altered, stored, or disclosed without authorization despite reasonable security measures.
• Communication platforms, internet service providers, employers, or other third-party systems may have access to information transmitted through their networks.
• Electronic communication may be affected by technical issues, including malware, system failures, or service interruptions.
• Deleted messages may remain accessible through backup systems or records.
• Messages may be accidentally sent to, or received by, unintended recipients.
• The identity of the sender or recipient cannot always be independently verified.
• Virtual care and videoconferencing platforms may carry additional privacy and security considerations.
• Information may be disclosed when required by law, regulatory obligations, or legal processes.

4. Appropriate use of electronic communication

Patients agree that:

• Electronic communication should not be used for emergencies or urgent medical concerns.
• Response times cannot be guaranteed. If a response is not received within an appropriate timeframe, patients are responsible for following up by telephone or another appropriate method.
• Electronic communication does not replace in-person medical assessment, telephone consultation when clinically required, or emergency medical care.
• Communications related to medical care, diagnosis, or treatment may become part of the patient's medical record and may be accessed by authorized healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care.
• NovaMed Medical Clinic may share relevant communications with clinic staff involved in providing or coordinating care.
• Information will not be shared with family members or other third parties without patient consent, unless disclosure is required by law.
• NovaMed Medical Clinic is not responsible for delays, loss of information, or communication failures resulting from technical issues outside the clinic's control.

5. Patient responsibilities

To support safe and effective electronic communication, patients agree to:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.
• Notify the clinic promptly of any changes to contact details.
• Ensure messages are clear, complete, and contain relevant information.
• Avoid using shared, public, or employer-controlled devices whenever possible.
• Take reasonable steps to protect personal information, including using secure devices, passwords, and networks.

You may withdraw consent for electronic communication at any time by contacting NovaMed Medical Clinic in writing, by email, or by telephone.

6. Emergency and urgent care disclaimer

Electronic communication services are not continuously monitored and must not be relied upon for urgent or emergency medical concerns. If you experience a medical emergency, worsening symptoms, or a condition requiring immediate attention, please call 911, contact emergency services, or attend the nearest Emergency Department.

Patient acknowledgement

By proceeding with appointment booking through Cortico, you confirm that you have reviewed, understood, and accepted the Consent to Electronic Communication and Associated Risks Policy of NovaMed Medical Clinic.