What are my rights as a telehealth patient?
As a telehealth patient using DrHouse, you have rights around informed consent, privacy, access to your information, and fair treatment. Some of those rights come from DrHouse’s own Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, while others come from HIPAA and other state privacy laws that may apply based on where you live.
Quick Answer:
- You have the right to know telehealth is remote care and to consent before a virtual visit.
- You have the right to privacy protections for your health information under HIPAA.
- You may have the right to access, correct, delete, or get a portable copy of certain personal data, depending on state law.
- You have the right to view medical information from your DrHouse visits in the app.
- You have the right to be told when telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies or certain in-person care needs.
What Your Rights Include
Informed consent for telehealth
DrHouse states that virtual visits are provided through remote electronic communications, such as chat, audio, or video, and that you must consent to this type of care before receiving treatment. The Terms also say you must sign the Consent to Virtual Visits before a visit and understand that virtual care has risks and limitations compared with in-person care.
Privacy and confidentiality
If you use DrHouse for medical services, your protected health information is governed by HIPAA and the Notice of Privacy Practices, not just the general Privacy Policy. HHS also states that HIPAA gives patients rights over their protected health information and requires appropriate safeguards for privacy.
Access to your information
DrHouse patients can view visit notes, prescriptions, and medical history in the app. More broadly, HIPAA gives individuals the right to inspect or obtain copies of their health information, direct a copy to a third party, and request corrections.
Consumer privacy rights
Depending on your state, DrHouse says you may be able to access your personal information, know what categories are collected, delete personal information, correct inaccurate data, opt out of sale or sharing, limit use of sensitive personal information, obtain a portable copy, and appeal a denied request. DrHouse also says it will not deny services, charge different prices, or provide a different level of care for exercising those rights.
Limitations / What to Know
Your rights can depend on the type of data involved. DrHouse’s Privacy Policy says clinical PHI is handled under HIPAA, while other personal information may be handled under state consumer privacy laws. Also, telehealth is not for emergencies, and some conditions may require in-person evaluation, testing, or referral.
See also:
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