Terms of Use

Effective Th

Telehealth Informed Consent

Effective Date: August 9, 2026

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Dana Stern MD PC for your virtual nail consultation.

Telehealth allows patients to receive expert dermatologic evaluation and consultation remotely using secure technology. Before participating in a telehealth consultation, please carefully review the following information regarding the nature of telehealth services, their benefits, limitations, and your responsibilities as a patient.

By participating in a telehealth consultation, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this information.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services using secure electronic communication technologies rather than an in-person office visit.

Depending on your appointment, your consultation may include:

  • A live video visit with Dr. Dana Stern

  • Review of photographs and medical history submitted in advance

  • Review of outside medical records or pathology reports you choose to provide

  • Recommendations for additional evaluation or treatment when appropriate

  • Communication with your local healthcare provider, with your authorization

Scope of Care

Dana Stern MD PC provides highly specialized consultations focused exclusively on diseases and disorders of the fingernails and toenails.

Telehealth consultations are intended to provide expert evaluation and recommendations regarding nail conditions. Not every condition can be fully evaluated virtually, and some patients may require in-person examination, laboratory testing, imaging, biopsy, or referral to another healthcare professional.

No Guarantee of Treatment

Participation in a telehealth consultation does not guarantee:

  • A diagnosis

  • A particular treatment recommendation

  • A prescription

  • Additional testing

  • Ongoing care

  • Acceptance as a patient

Medical recommendations are individualized and based on the information available at the time of the consultation.

Benefits of Telehealth

Potential benefits include:

  • Convenient access to a nationally recognized nail specialist

  • Reduced travel time

  • Faster access to expert consultation

  • Coordination with your local healthcare providers

  • Expert review of prior testing and treatment history

  • Improved access for patients living outside major metropolitan areas

Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth also has limitations.

These may include:

  • Inability to physically examine the affected nail(s)

  • Limitations of photographs or video quality

  • Technical interruptions

  • Incomplete medical history

  • Inability to perform procedures during the consultation

  • The need for in-person examination or additional diagnostic testing

Because of these limitations, telehealth may not be appropriate for every patient or every medical condition.

Emergencies

Telehealth is not appropriate for medical emergencies.

If you experience:

  • Severe pain

  • Rapidly spreading infection

  • Significant bleeding

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Any other medical emergency

Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

Do not rely on electronic messages or telehealth appointments for emergency care.

Privacy and Security

Dana Stern MD PC uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal and medical information.

HIPAA-compliant technologies, including secure communication platforms and Paubox, are used whenever appropriate.

Although every reasonable effort is made to protect your information, no technology can guarantee absolute security.

Patient Responsibilities

To help ensure the best possible consultation, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate medical information.

  • Submit clear and current photographs when requested.

  • Participate from a private location whenever possible.

  • Use a secure internet connection whenever available.

  • Notify our office if your contact information changes.

  • Inform Dr. Stern of any significant changes in your condition.

You understand that incomplete or inaccurate information may affect the quality of medical recommendations.

Technology Risks

You understand that telehealth involves the use of electronic communications.

Potential risks include:

  • Equipment failure

  • Internet interruptions

  • Delayed transmission

  • Poor image quality

  • Unauthorized access despite reasonable security safeguards

If technical difficulties prevent completion of your consultation, our office will make reasonable efforts to reschedule or continue the consultation using another appropriate method.

Medical Records

Information obtained during your telehealth consultation becomes part of your confidential medical record and will be maintained in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Please review our Notice of Privacy Practices for additional information regarding how your health information is protected.

Communication With Other Healthcare Providers

With your authorization, Dana Stern MD PC may communicate with your primary care physician, dermatologist, podiatrist, or other healthcare professionals involved in your care when doing so will improve coordination of treatment.

Prescriptions and Testing

If medically appropriate and permitted by applicable law, recommendations may include prescriptions, laboratory testing, pathology review, imaging, or referral to another healthcare provider.

Certain recommendations may require in-person evaluation by a local healthcare professional.

Right to Decline Telehealth

Participation in telehealth is voluntary.

You have the right to decline or discontinue telehealth services at any time before or during your consultation.

Declining telehealth may limit the services Dana Stern MD PC is able to provide.

Financial Responsibility

Patients remain responsible for all applicable consultation fees and any additional charges associated with recommended testing, procedures, or care provided by other healthcare professionals.

Insurance coverage for telehealth services varies by payer and plan.

Consent

By proceeding with a telehealth consultation, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understand this Telehealth Informed Consent.

  • You have had the opportunity to ask questions.

  • Your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

  • You understand the benefits and limitations of telehealth.

  • You understand that telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies.

  • You consent to receive healthcare services through telehealth from Dana Stern MD PC, subject to applicable laws and professional judgment.

Contact Information

Dana Stern MD PC

Website:www.drdanastern.com

Email: info@drdanastern.com

Phone: (917) 971-1864