1. Introduction
This Telehealth Consent Policy outlines how Optimal Health Clinic (the Clinic) delivers telehealth services, including the nature, limitations, and responsibilities associated with receiving care remotely.
At Optimal Health Clinic, we provide doctor-led, patient-centred care focused on longevity, preventative health, performance optimisation, and general medical support through a secure telehealth model.
For information on how we collect, use, and store your personal and health information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
This policy is informed by:
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) & Australian Privacy Principles
- Medical Board of Australia – Telehealth Guidelines (2023)
- AHPRA Codes & Professional Standards
- Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth)
- Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights (2019)
2. Nature of Telehealth Services
2.1 What is Telehealth?
Telehealth allows you to consult with a qualified medical practitioner remotely via:
- Video consultation
- Telephone consultation
- Electronic prescribing
2.2 Clinical Relationship
Optimal Health Clinic provides access to registered Australian medical practitioners.
By using our services, you acknowledge:
- Your clinical relationship is directly with the treating doctor
- All medical decisions, including prescribing, are made by your doctor
- The Clinic facilitates care delivery, coordination, and support
2.3 Appropriate Use of Telehealth
Telehealth is suitable where:
- You have completed initial screening and are clinically appropriate
- Your condition can be safely assessed without physical examination
- You are seeking:
- Preventative health
- Hormone optimisation
- General medical advice
- Ongoing monitoring
2.4 When Telehealth is NOT Appropriate
Do NOT use telehealth if:
- You are experiencing an emergency → Call 000 immediately
- You require urgent physical examination
- Your condition cannot be assessed remotely
- You are located outside Australia
Your doctor may recommend in-person care at any time.
3. Service Limitations & Eligibility
- Services are only available to patients located in Australia
- Doctors may:
- Decline treatment
- Request further information or testing
- Refer you elsewhere if clinically required
- Certain services are not provided, including:
- Medico-legal assessments
- Workers compensation assessments
- Physical examination-dependent evaluations
4. Your Responsibilities
To ensure safe and effective care, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, complete, and honest information
- Disclose:
- Medical history
- Current medications (including supplements)
- Allergies and conditions
- Inform us of:
- Changes in your health
- New symptoms
- Pregnancy or medication changes
Failure to provide accurate information may result in treatment delays or refusal of care.
5. Prescribing, Medications & Treatment
5.1 Clinical Discretion
- All prescribing decisions are made solely by your treating doctor.
- Doctors may refuse to prescribe if not clinically appropriate
- Treatment decisions are based on:
- Safety
- Clinical need
- Regulatory compliance
5.2 Medication Governance
- Prescribing follows:
- TGA regulations
- AHPRA guidelines
- Evidence-based practice
- Certain medications (including some Schedule 8 and restricted medicines) may:
- Not be prescribed
- Require additional safeguards
5.3 Off-Label Treatments
Where applicable:
- Your doctor may prescribe medications off-label
- You will be informed of:
- Risks
- Benefits
- Supporting evidence
- Your informed consent will be obtained
5.4 Compounded Medications
Some treatments may involve compounded medications prepared by licensed pharmacies.
You acknowledge:
- These medications are tailored specifically to you
- They may not be listed on the ARTG
- They are prescribed when clinically appropriate
5.5 Monitoring & Safety
You agree to:
- Undertake required blood tests or monitoring
- Report:
- Side effects
- Adverse reactions
- Concerns promptly
6. Pathology & Investigations
Your doctor may request:
- Blood tests
- Imaging
- Other diagnostics
You agree:
- To complete required investigations
- That follow-up consultations may be required
- That third-party providers operate independently
7. Fees & Billing
- Many services are private (non-Medicare)
- Fees will be clearly disclosed prior to consultation
- Where applicable:
- You may assign Medicare benefits to your doctor
- Administrative fees may apply for:
- Care coordination
- Prescription management
- Platform and compliance systems
8. Dispensing & Medication Supply
- Optimal Health Clinic does not dispense medications
- Prescriptions may be sent to:
- Your chosen pharmacy
- A partner pharmacy for convenience
- You retain the right to choose your pharmacy at all times.
9. Recording of Consultations
- Consultations are not routinely recorded
- If recording is required:
- Your explicit consent will be obtained
- If support persons are present:
- This will be documented with your consent
10. Your Healthcare Rights
You have the right to:
- Safe, high-quality care
- Clear communication
- Participation in decisions
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Provide feedback or make complaints
11. Professional Standards
All practitioners:
- Are registered with AHPRA
- Follow:
- Good Medical Practice guidelines
- Telehealth standards
- Maintain:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Ongoing CPD
12. Withdrawal of Consent
You may withdraw consent at any time.
However:
- This may limit our ability to provide services
- We may retain records as required by law
13. Questions & Complaints
For enquiries or concerns:
- Optimal Health Clinic
info@optimalhealthclinic.com.au
If unresolved, you may contact:
- AHPRA – www.ahpra.gov.au
- OAIC – www.oaic.gov.au
- Relevant State Health Complaints Body
14. Updates to This Policy
- We may update this policy periodically.
- Continued use of our services indicates acceptance of updates.
15. Consent & Agreement
By proceeding with a consultation, you confirm that:
- You have read and understood this policy
- You consent to telehealth services
- You understand the limitations of remote care
- You are located in Australia
- You have provided accurate information