DocTel – Telehealth Consent Form

Last Updated: Nov/2025

Telehealth consultations at DocTel Pty Ltd (“DocTel”, “we”, “our”, “us”) are provided by independent, AHPRA-registered healthcare practitioners.
This form explains your rights, responsibilities, and the limitations of telehealth.
By continuing with your appointment, you provide informed consent to the use of telehealth.

1. What Telehealth Is

Telehealth involves delivering healthcare via video, phone, or online messaging instead of in-person consultation.

You understand that telehealth may include:

  • Video consultations

  • Audio (telephone) consultations

  • Secure messaging and intake forms

  • Digital document exchange

  • E-prescriptions and follow-up communication

2. Limitations of Telehealth

You acknowledge that telehealth:

  • Does not allow for full physical examination

  • May be clinically inappropriate for certain conditions

  • May result in incomplete or delayed evaluation

  • May require follow-up in person

  • Does NOT guarantee prescriptions, referrals, or medical certificates

If the practitioner determines that telehealth is unsafe or unsuitable, they may decline treatment and recommend in-person medical care.

For emergencies, call 000 immediately.

3. Information Collected

You understand and consent to the collection of:

  • Personal information

  • Health and medical information

  • Consultation details

  • Uploaded documents

  • Information shared during the appointment

This information is collected pursuant to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and DocTel’s Privacy Policy.

4. Risks of Telehealth

You acknowledge potential risks, including:

  • Technical failures

  • Internet instability

  • Delays or interruptions

  • Unauthorised access (rare but possible despite security measures)

  • Data breaches (minimised through strict safeguards)

DocTel uses encrypted platforms and secure infrastructure to protect your information.

5. Benefits of Telehealth

You understand the benefits, including:

  • Convenient access to healthcare

  • Reduced travel time and cost

  • Faster response for minor or straightforward issues

  • Ability to access care from any location in Australia

6. Your Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete medical information

  • Be located in Australia at the time of consultation

  • Ensure a private, quiet, safe environment for the consult

  • Not record the consultation without consent

  • Follow practitioner directions

  • Use truthful identity and contact details

7. Practitioner Responsibilities

Practitioners will:

  • Maintain AHPRA registration

  • Provide clinically appropriate care

  • Maintain confidentiality

  • Document the consultation

  • Decline telehealth if unsafe or inappropriate

8. Medications and Prescriptions

You understand and agree that:

  • Prescriptions are not guaranteed

  • Controlled drugs (Schedule 8), benzodiazepines, opioids, stimulants, and drugs of dependence are rarely or never prescribed via telehealth

  • Repeat prescriptions may be denied if clinically unsafe

  • The practitioner may request identification, previous records, or in-person follow-up

For medical cannabis, prescribing decisions must comply with all TGA requirements, and approval is not guaranteed.

9. Financial Consent

You acknowledge that:

  • Consultation fees are payable before or at the time of booking

  • Fees are non-refundable except where required by Australian Consumer Law

  • Additional fees may apply for

    • repeat prescriptions

    • missed appointments

    • cancellations outside the allowed window

10. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your information is protected by:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

  • Australian Privacy Principles

  • DocTel’s Privacy Policy

Clinical information is stored securely with DocTel’s accredited telehealth and clinical system partners.

You consent to the sharing of relevant information with:

  • Treating practitioners

  • Pharmacies (where needed)

  • Pathology or imaging providers

  • Regulatory bodies (when legally required)

11. Your Rights

You may:

  • Withdraw consent at any time (before or during the consult)

  • Request a different practitioner

  • Decline any procedure or recommendation

  • Request access to your health information

  • Make a complaint regarding care or privacy

12. Consent Statement

By proceeding with a telehealth consultation via DocTel, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood this Telehealth Consent

  • You understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of telehealth

  • You agree to the collection and use of your personal and health information

  • You understand that prescriptions and treatment are not guaranteed

  • You consent to receive healthcare services via telehealth

  • You are located within Australia during the consultation

If you do not agree, do not proceed with the telehealth consultation.