Telehealth Informed Consent & Disclaimer
Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Welcome to Gentle Vein Care Center (“Gentle Vein”). We are committed to providing high-quality, convenient vein care through our telehealth platform. This document explains how telehealth works, its benefits, risks, and your responsibilities as a patient. Please read this carefully prior to participating in your virtual consultation.
1. What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a way to consult with licensed healthcare providers using secure audiovisual technology instead of traveling in person to a medical facility. You can connect with your provider from any private location, including your residence. At Gentle Vein Care Center, we utilize telehealth primarily for initial pre-screening evaluations, compression consultations, and medical follow-up reviews.
2. How Do I Use Telehealth?
You will communicate with your vein specialist using an internet-enabled smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer equipped with a camera and microphone.
- Primary Platform: We utilize Google Meet, configured under a healthcare HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with zero external software download required.
- Backup Platform: In the event of connection interruptions, we may connect via Doxy.me, also fortified under a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement.
3. Benefits & Limitations
Benefits
- Direct access to board-certified vein specialists without travel or clinic wait times.
- Eliminates exposure to communicable illnesses in busy waiting rooms.
- Flexible, evening and weekend appointments that accommodate your schedule.
Limitations & Clinical Scope
- Not a Definitive Diagnosis: Virtual consultations are a preliminary assessment. Definitive venous mapping requires duplex ultrasound and physical examination.
- Examination Constraints: Video screens cannot palpate distal pulses, gauge skin turgor, or measure precise limb circumferences.
4. Privacy & Security
Gentle Vein implements administrative and technical safeguards to keep your Protected Health Information (PHI) secure under HIPAA guidelines. We do not record virtual appointments without explicit prior written authorization.
To maintain confidentiality, we ask that you conduct your visit in a quiet, private area using a secure home or cellular internet connection rather than open public Wi-Fi.
5. Medical Emergencies
TELEHEALTH IS NOT DESIGNED FOR ACUTE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.
If you experience sudden, severe unilateral leg swelling, abrupt calf pain, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or rapid skin breakdown, immediately dial 911 or report to the nearest emergency room.
6. Cost & Insurance
Financial responsibility depends on your specific insurance policy or self-pay consultation package.
- Online Booking Fees: Fees paid for virtual vein consultations cover clinical record review and the provider's dedicated video screening time.
- Future In-Office Diagnostics: Recommended diagnostic duplex ultrasound imaging or clinic interventions require separate scheduling and billing.
7. Patient Consent & Agreement
By booking and attending a telehealth appointment with Gentle Vein Care Center, you certify and agree that:
- The telehealth process, benefits, and diagnostic limitations have been explained to your satisfaction.
- You understand that video screening is informational and does not replace in-person duplex ultrasound imaging.
- You consent to transmission and secure storage of health records in HIPAA-compliant systems.
- You retain the right to terminate telemedicine care at any time without compromising ongoing patient standing.
Ready to Connect With Dr. Tunis?
Schedule your virtual vein screening from the comfort of home.