Telehealth Terms & Disclaimers

1. Nature of Telehealth Services

"Telehealth" (also called "telemedicine") is the delivery of clinical health care services using electronic communications, including secure video conferencing, audio, and digital messaging. Our telehealth services are provided by Lynn Urgent Care and Woburn Urgent Care (collectively, "the Practice") through Niravkumar Patel, MD and other licensed providers.

Telehealth allows you to consult with a provider from your home or another private location, without needing to travel to our office. However, telehealth is not appropriate for every medical situation, and some conditions require in-person evaluation.

2. Provider-Patient Relationship

A provider-patient relationship is established when you have your first telehealth encounter with one of our providers — not when you book an appointment, fill out forms, or use any tools on our website.

By initiating a telehealth visit, you are requesting that our provider establish a relationship with you for the purpose of providing care. Our provider has the right to accept or decline this request based on whether telehealth is clinically appropriate for your situation.

3. State Licensure & Geographic Limits

You will be asked to confirm your physical location at the start of every telehealth visit. Falsifying your location is a violation of state and federal law and may result in immediate termination of the visit, charges for the visit, and refusal of future services.

If you are temporarily outside Massachusetts (traveling, vacationing, etc.), we cannot provide care via telehealth until you return. We recommend contacting a provider licensed in your current state or using a national telehealth service.

4. Prescription Policy & Controlled Substances

What We Can Prescribe Via Telehealth

• Antibiotics for common infections (when clinically appropriate)
• Refills of routine, non-controlled medications
• Allergy, asthma, and respiratory medications
• Mental health medications classified as non-controlled (most SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
• Common short-term medications

What We Cannot Prescribe Via Telehealth

Even where controlled substances may legally be prescribed via telehealth under federal flexibilities, our practice policy is to require in-person evaluation before initiating controlled substance therapy. We will refer you to appropriate in-person care or specialist services for these needs.

All prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy you specify. We do not provide paper prescriptions during telehealth visits.

5. Standard of Care

We provide telehealth services that meet the same professional standard of care as an equivalent in-person visit, in accordance with Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 175 § 47BB and related statutes) and federal telehealth guidelines.

This means:

• Our providers will gather sufficient clinical information to make a diagnosis
• If we determine telehealth cannot meet the appropriate standard for your situation, we will direct you to in-person care
• You will receive a documented visit summary and treatment plan
• All federal and state regulations regarding telehealth practice are followed

6. Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth has inherent limitations compared to in-person care. By using telehealth, you understand and accept these limitations:

• No physical examination — Your provider cannot perform hands-on physical exam, palpation, or detailed inspection
• No on-site testing — Lab work, X-rays, EKGs, and other in-office diagnostics are not available during telehealth visits
• Limited diagnostic accuracy — Some conditions cannot be reliably diagnosed without in-person evaluation
• Technology-dependent — Visit quality depends on your internet connection, device, and lighting
• Some conditions require in-person follow-up — Your provider may direct you to be seen in person for confirmation, testing, or treatment

If you believe your symptoms are worsening or have not improved as expected, please follow up with us immediately or seek in-person care.

7. Identity Verification

At the start of every telehealth visit, you will be asked to show a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) to the camera. This protects you from medical identity fraud and ensures that prescriptions and medical records are accurate.

If you cannot or refuse to provide identification, the visit may be terminated. The visit fee may still apply per our cancellation policy.

8. Technology & Privacy Risks

Electronic communications carry inherent risks, including:

• Connection failures, disruptions, or poor audio/video quality
• Unauthorized access (rare but possible) if your device or network is compromised
• Misinterpretation due to limitations of video communication

To minimize these risks:

• We use a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform (athenahealth) with a Business Associate Agreement
• Communications are encrypted in transit
• Do not conduct visits over public Wi-Fi (e.g., coffee shops, libraries)
• Ensure you are in a private location where conversations cannot be overheard
• Keep your devices updated with current security patches

We are not responsible for breaches caused by your own device, network, or environment.

9. Recording Prohibition

Massachusetts is a two-party consent state for recording communications. Neither party may record any portion of a telehealth visit without the other party's explicit, written consent. Recording without consent may be a violation of Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 272 § 99).

If you wish to have a record of your visit, please request your visit summary, which is available through the patient portal and includes diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescriptions.

10. Pediatric & Minor Patient Care

Our telehealth services are available to patients age 3 and older. We do not provide telehealth services to children under 3 years of age, who require in-person evaluation by a pediatric provider.

Requirements for Minor Patients (Ages 3–17)

For all patients under age 18:

• A parent or legal guardian must be present during the entire telehealth visit
• The parent or guardian must provide consent for the telehealth visit and any treatment
• The parent or guardian must be prepared to assist with the visit (positioning the child, taking temperature, holding the camera, etc.)
• The parent or guardian must provide government-issued photo ID at the start of the visit
• The minor patient must also be visible on camera and identifiable

Limitations for Pediatric Telehealth

Certain pediatric conditions cannot be adequately assessed or treated via telehealth and require in-person care, including:

• Fever in infants under 12 weeks (requires immediate in-person evaluation)
• Suspected ear infections requiring otoscope examination
• Suspected strep throat requiring rapid testing
• Conditions requiring physical examination, vital signs measurement, or laboratory testing
• Routine well-child visits, vaccinations, and growth/development assessments

If your child requires care beyond what telehealth can provide, your provider will refer you to our urgent care location, your pediatrician, or an emergency department as appropriate.

11. Fees, Cancellations & No-Shows

Visit fees:

• With insurance: Your standard copay or coinsurance applies
• Self-pay: $80 flat fee per visit, payable at time of service

Cancellation policy:

• Cancel 2 or more hours before your appointment: No charge
• Cancel less than 2 hours before: $25 late cancellation fee
• No-show (missed visit without notice): $50 fee

Cancellation fees may be waived for documented emergencies. Please call our office if circumstances change.

Payment: Payment is due at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and most insurance plans. By using our services, you authorize us to charge your payment method on file for visits, copays, and applicable fees.

12. Informed Consent

By booking and participating in a telehealth visit, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understand these Telehealth Terms & Disclaimers
• You have read our Notice of Privacy Practices
• You voluntarily consent to receive care via telehealth
• You understand you can withdraw consent and request in-person care at any time (subject to availability)
• You understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of telehealth

A separate written Consent for Telehealth form may be required before your first visit. This form is available on our Patient Forms page.

13. Limitations of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Massachusetts law:

• The Practice and its providers are not liable for damages resulting from technology failures, connection interruptions, or third-party platform issues
• The Practice is not liable for outcomes arising from inaccurate information you provide
• The Practice is not liable for delays in care caused by your failure to follow recommended in-person follow-up

These limitations do not affect your rights regarding the actual medical care you receive, which is subject to standard medical malpractice principles under Massachusetts law.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated Effective Date. Continued use of our telehealth services after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.