Medical Consent

Last updated: 28th January 2025

Thank you for choosing Soana for your telehealth
needs. This document is intended to inform you about the telehealth services we provide and to obtain your consent for using telehealth in the delivery of healthcare and/or mental health services. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

Telehealth Services Overview

At Soana, we offer remote healthcare and mental health services through a secure online platform. Our team of licensed medical providers will review your medical information, discuss your health concerns, and, when appropriate, provide personalized treatment recommendations. This communication may take place via video call, phone call, or messaging, depending on your needs and preferences. We aim to make sure that the services we offer are accessible, convenient, and tailored to your health needs. The platform we use incorporates advanced security measures to safeguard your personal health information, ensuring that all data exchanges remain confidential. These measures are in place to provide a secure and efficient environment for your telehealth consultations, allowing you to receive high-quality care from the comfort of your own home or chosen location.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth involves the delivery of healthcare and/or mental health services using electronic communications, such as video calls, text messages, and other online data exchanges, between you and a licensed provider. The service allows providers to assess, diagnose, and treat patients remotely. At Soana, our licensed healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health specialists, will use the platform to provide the care you need. By using Soana’s telehealth services, you consent to receiving care that may include diagnosis, treatment, follow-ups, and health education. While telehealth is an effective and convenient method of providing care, there are situations in which in-person visits may still be necessary for certain conditions. It is important that you understand that, should an in-person consultation or procedure be necessary, you will be informed by your provider, and alternative arrangements will be made to ensure you receive the care you require.

Anticipated Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth offers several benefits, such as greater access to healthcare, reduced wait times, and convenience for patients, especially those with busy schedules or those who live in remote areas. By eliminating the need for in-person visits, telehealth allows you to consult with healthcare professionals at times that are convenient for you. Additionally, mental health services delivered through telehealth can help reduce anxiety, provide emotional support, and help improve your overall mental health by creating a comfortable and familiar environment for your therapy sessions. This mode of care has been shown to reduce the barriers to seeking mental health support, such as social stigma, transportation difficulties, and long wait times.

Potential Risks of Telehealth

However, as with any healthcare service, there are risks associated with the use of telehealth. These risks may include limitations on the quality, accuracy, or effectiveness of the services you receive due to technical issues such as connectivity problems, video or audio malfunctions, or
platform errors. These technical limitations may result in the delay or unavailability of your care or the possibility of incomplete or inaccurate data being transmitted between you and your provider. In some cases, telehealth may not allow your provider to conduct certain assessments or tests that are typically required in an in-person setting, which could hinder their ability to make an accurate diagnosis or provide optimal treatment. Additionally, certain conditions may not be suitable for treatment via telehealth, and your provider may refer you to another healthcare provider or an in person consultation if necessary.

Emergency Situations and Follow-Up
Care

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or contemplating self-harm, we urge you to immediately call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For non-urgent medical issues, you should seek out in-person care or emergency services when appropriate. While telehealth provides a convenient and safe way to communicate with healthcare
providers, it is not suitable for handling emergencies or situations where urgent medical attention is required. In the event of a technical failure or disruption preventing communication through the Soana platform, you may reach our support team at;

contact@soanatogether.com

during business hours or seek care directly from an emergency facility.

Data Privacy and Security

By consenting to the use of telehealth services, you understand that electronic communication involving your personal medical information will occur. This includes the use of secure messaging, video consultations, and other forms of digital communication. While we implement strict security protocols to safeguard your information, you acknowledge that there are inherent risks involved with online communication, including the potential for data breaches or unauthorized access, despite our best efforts to protect your privacy. You agree to communicate any changes to your health information, including previous treatments and current conditions, to ensure the accuracy of your medical records.

Laboratory Products and Services

Certain services provided through Soana may require laboratory testing, which may be performed remotely through third-party
diagnostic tests. These tests, while highly useful, cannot guarantee the accuracy of results, and false positive or false negative results may occur. These potential inaccuracies may impact the ability of your provider to properly diagnose or treat your condition, and in such cases, additional tests or alternative treatments may be necessary.

Acknowledgment and Consent

By continuing to use the services provided by Soana, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the terms of this agreement, and you consent to receiving telehealth care from our licensed healthcare
professionals. You also confirm that you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, with no impact on the care you have already received. If you choose to withdraw your consent, you will no longer be able to use Soana’s services, but you will still have access to other healthcare providers who may offer in-person treatment options.