Medical and Data Privacy Consent

Last Updated: 15 December, 2024

Preamble 

Welcome to Qurocare! These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between Qurocare (referred to as “we,” “our,” or “us”) and users of our services (referred to as “Patient”, “you” or “your”). By accessing Qurocare’s services via our digital platform, in-clinic, or at home (homecare), you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

This document also serves as a User Consent Policy, outlining your rights, responsibilities, and obligations while receiving safe, effective, and ethical healthcare. Qurocare provides healthcare services, including but not limited to diagnostic assessments, in-clinic medical consultations, teleconsultations, dispensing medicines, health education, and homecare services (referred to as “service” or “services”)

Note: This policy excludes emergency care as Qurocare is not an emergency healthcare provider.

User Consent and Terms & Conditions

This Agreement ("Agreement") governs the relationship between Qurocare ("Provider," "we," "us") and the user (“user,” "patient," or "you"). By using Qurocare’s services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

Qurocare provides a range of healthcare services including, but not limited to:

1.Scope of services

Qurocare provides a range of healthcare services including, but not limited to:

• Diagnostic assessments, consultations, treatments, telemedicine services, health monitoring, and follow-up care.
• Services delivered by licensed healthcare professionals in compliance with applicable legal frameworks and healthcare standards.
• Availability through in-person consultations, telemedicine, and home healthcare visits, where applicable.
• Our services are primarily available within a 5 km radius of our clinics. Extensions beyond this radius are at the sole discretion of Qurocare.

Note: Qurocare does not provide emergency or trauma care. In case of an emergency, please contact emergency services or visit the nearest hospital. 

2. Patient-Doctor Confidentiality

• Qurocare is committed to upholding strict patient-doctor confidentiality.
• All consultations, medical records, and personal health data shared during your interactions with our licensed healthcare professionals will remain confidential.
• Information will only be shared with other professionals or third parties involved in your care with your explicit consent or as required by law (e.g., to comply with a court order).
• Qurocare ensures compliance with applicable healthcare data privacy laws to protect your privacy and data.

3. General Medical Consent: By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you provide informed consent for Qurocare healthcare professionals to deliver medical services and procedures deemed necessary for your health. This includes:

• Routine health check-ups, imaging studies, laboratory tests, prescribed medications, and therapeutic interventions.
• Diagnostic, non-invasive, or minimally invasive procedures such as blood tests, imaging studies, or other medically necessary interventions.

4. You consent to:

• Receive medical care, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as advised by Qurocare medical professionals.
• Proceed or decline with prescribed treatments after understanding the associated risks, benefits, and implications.

5. Provider Responsibility: Qurocare ensures that all medical services are delivered by licensed and trained professionals in compliance with applicable healthcare standards. Informed consent for any specific medical procedure will be obtained in adherence to medical regulations and standards.

6. Informed Consent for Procedures: Before undergoing any medical procedures, Qurocare will provide detailed information about the procedure, including its purpose, expected benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives.

7. Teleconsultations: You consent to receive virtual consultations with Qurocare healthcare specialists for diagnosis, treatment planning, follow-up care, and health advice.

8. Personalized Health Dashboards: In the future, Qurocare will provide personalized health dashboards that track your health metrics, medical history, treatment progress, and more. These tools will allow you to monitor your health in real time.

9. Appointment and Medication Reminders: You consent to receive notifications about upcoming appointments, reminders for medication, and wellness tips designed to support your health management.

10. Health Surveys and Reports: You may be asked to complete surveys or health questionnaires. This data will be used to improve your care plan and provide personalized healthcare recommendations.

11. Technical Requirements:

• Device Compatibility: To use Qurocare’s digital platforms, you will need a compatible device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer) and stable internet connectivity.
• Liability: Qurocare is not liable for technical issues arising from third-party services, such as internet outages, device failures, or software malfunctions. 

12. Scope of Educational Services:
Qurocare offers a range of health education initiatives designed to enhance your understanding of health and wellness. These may include:

• Preventive Care: Vaccinations, early disease detection, and long-term health strategies.
• Chronic Disease Management: Education on managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Lifestyle Improvements: Workshops on fitness, diet, and stress management.
• Mental Health Workshops: Resources on topics such as stress, anxiety, and mental wellness.
• Nutrition and Fitness Education: Guidance on diet and exercise for achieving health goals.
• Classroom Beyond the Walls: Real-life application sessions including hands-on workshops and case studies.
• User Responsibilities: 
  • Respect the guidelines and expectations set for workshops or classes.
  • Take responsibility for personal information shared in public events organized by Qurocare.
• User Benefits:
  • Access to high-quality, evidence-based health education.
  • Personalized learning experiences tailored to your needs.
  • Opportunities to interact with experts and peers in a supportive environment.
• Use of Personal Data for Personalization
  • To ensure the educational content provided is relevant and tailored to your specific needs, Qurocare may collect and use your personal health data. By agreeing to this policy, you consent to the use of your data for educational purposes, including the personalization of content and resources.
• Personalized Educational Content
  • Outside of healthcare professionals analyzing your personal health data for personalized health recommendations, Qurocare may use anonymized healthcare information, including health status, medical history, and lifestyle choices, to customize educational sessions and materials tailored to your unique needs. This may include offering specific webinars, fitness plans, dietary advice, or condition-specific educational resources.
• Recording and Sharing Public Events
  • To expand access to educational materials, some sessions (both online and offline) may be recorded and used for internal purposes or shared as part of Qurocare’s broader educational resources. By participating in these sessions, you consent to the recording and sharing of the content, as detailed below.
• Recording of Sessions
  • Sessions, lectures, or workshops (public events) delivered online or offline may be recorded by Qurocare for future use, including training, educational purposes, and improving future sessions.
• Use of Recorded Content
  • Recorded sessions may be shared on Qurocare’s website, app, or other digital platforms for educational purposes. These recordings may be accessible to other users or the public.

13. Payment Consent

• You agree to pay all fees associated with the medical services provided by Qurocare. This includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic tests, consultations, treatments, and additional charges arising from unforeseen medical circumstances. Payments shall be made in accordance with the billing terms provided at the time of service. Failure to settle outstanding payments may result in discontinuation of services and legal action to recover dues.
• Refund and Cancellation Policy
  • Refunds for services availed by users are not processed.
• Payment Method and Security
  • All payments are digital and processed through third-party integrations/platforms, encrypted by the respective service provider for security purposes.
  • Agreement to Fees and Charges: By engaging in Qurocare services, users agree to pay for all services rendered in accordance with the fees outlined at the time of registration, booking, or consultation. Users are responsible for all charges associated with their care.
• Detailed Breakdown of Charges: Qurocare will provide a detailed breakdown of charges for all services, including:
  • Consultation fees (in-person or teleconsultations).
  • Fees for medical tests, imaging, and diagnostics.
  • Fees for home care services such as nursing, medical assistance, and caregiving.
  • Fees for medications or equipment provided during home visits.
  • Charges related to digital services such as telemedicine, health monitoring, and online education platforms.
  • Applicable tax details.
• Notification of Additional Charges: Users will be notified in advance of any additional costs that may arise during treatment, including unforeseen charges for additional tests, medications, or services deemed necessary. All such charges will be discussed with the user before being incurred, except in cases of emergency intervention, where the healthcare professionals may deem it necessary for the patient's benefit.
• Cost Transparency: Qurocare is committed to transparent and fair pricing for all services. Users will be fully informed of the costs associated with their care before receiving services, allowing for informed decisions about treatment options.
• Payment Responsibility: Users are responsible for timely payment of all services rendered. Failure to make payments may result in service suspension or legal action.
• User Responsibilities
  • Review and acknowledge the breakdown of charges before receiving services.
  • Pay for services rendered as per agreed terms.
  • Ensure timely payments by prescribed deadlines.
• Payment Methods: Users consent to pay for services using acceptable digital payment methods. Options include:
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Securely processed through encrypted channels.
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface): Payments via a unique UPI ID or QR Code.
  • Online Payment Platforms: Secure platforms integrated with Qurocare systems.
  • Cash: Accepted at physical locations or during in-person service bookings.
• Terms for Online Payments
  • Security and Encryption: All transactions are made via third party secured platforms.
  • Third-Party Payment Processors: Users are subject to terms of the payment processor.
  • Payment Confirmation: Users will receive digital payment confirmations via WhatsApp, email, or SMS.
• User Responsibilities:
  • Select the correct payment method during booking.
  • Keep payment information accurate and up-to-date.
  • Review and understand third-party provider fees or terms.
• Refund Policy
  • Non-Refundable Charges: Certain fees are non-refundable, including:
  • Administrative fees (e.g., booking or consultation fees).
  • Charges for services already rendered.
  • Customized services (e.g., personalized treatments or prescriptions).
  • Partial Refunds: Partial refunds or credits may be considered if a user avails only part of a scheduled service series, depending on the stage of discontinuation.
• Cancellation Policy:
  • Cancellation Fees: Users canceling services less than 24 hours before the scheduled time may incur a fee.
  • Rescheduling: Notify Qurocare at least 24 hours in advance to avoid penalties. Rescheduling within short notice may incur additional fees.
  • No-Show Policy: Users who fail to attend scheduled appointments without prior notice will be charged a "no-show" fee equivalent to 100% of the service cost.

14. General User Responsibilities and Consent:

• Notify Qurocare promptly to cancel or reschedule appointments or services.
• Understand and agree to cancellation fees and refund policies.
• Provide accurate payment information to facilitate refunds if applicable.
• Communication Consent: You consent to receive communications from Qurocare regarding your healthcare. This includes appointment confirmations, test results, health updates, and follow-up notifications via email, SMS, phone calls, or other electronic methods. Additionally, you authorize Qurocare to contact designated emergency contacts, if necessary, for healthcare coordination purposes.
• Notify Qurocare of any changes in contact information.
• Protect your login credentials for secure access. (if any)

15. Research and Data Sharing Consent (Optional): You may choose to allow the use of your anonymized medical data for research purposes, including healthcare analysis, treatment effectiveness studies, and contributions to medical knowledge. Identifiable data will only be used for your treatment and will not be shared for research without your explicit, separate consent.

• Clinical Research Participation: Qurocare is committed to advancing medical research through clinical trials and studies. By participating in these studies, you agree to the use of your health data and samples for research purposes.
• Key Terms of Participation:
  • Study Purpose: Before participating, you will receive comprehensive information about the trial, including its goals, methods, and potential impact on your health.
  • Voluntary Participation: Participation is entirely voluntary, with no impact on your access to other services if you decline or withdraw.
  • Potential Benefits and Risks: You will be informed of any potential benefits and risks, including access to experimental treatments or possible side effects.
  • Informed Consent: Detailed information will be provided, ensuring clarity, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing.
  • Right to Withdraw: You may withdraw at any time without consequences to your care. Data collected prior to withdrawal will be handled securely.
• Anonymized Data Use: Your anonymized data may be used to:
  • Analyze treatment patterns and healthcare outcomes.
  • Support public health initiatives and medical research.
  • Collaborate with academic and healthcare organizations for advancing medical knowledge.
• Responsibilities for Research Participants
  • Attend all required study appointments.
  • Report any side effects or concerns promptly.
  • Provide accurate and honest information during the study.
• Revocation of Research Data Sharing Consent: You may revoke your consent for data use in research at any time. While previously anonymized data cannot be removed, no new data will be used for research purposes post-revocation. Revocation will not affect your access to medical care but may limit integrated service benefits.

16. Emergency Consent: In emergencies, you consent to Qurocare healthcare professionals administering necessary medical care without prior explicit consent if immediate action is required.

17. Marketing Consent (Optional): You may opt-in to receive marketing communications about Qurocare’s services, promotions, and educational materials. Consent can be revoked anytime by unsubscribing through provided options.

18. Data Collection, Storage, and Usage: Qurocare collects personal and medical data to provide optimal healthcare services. Data collected includes:

• Personal Information: Name, age, address, contact details, lifestyle related information.
• Health History: Medical conditions, medications, and allergies.
• Diagnostic Data: Test results and clinical notes.
• Treatment Records: Prescriptions, progress notes, and follow-up care.
• Purpose of Data Use
  • To diagnose and treat health conditions accurately.
  • To monitor treatment effectiveness.
  • To provide personalized healthcare recommendations.
• Data Sharing within Qurocare’s Ecosystem: Your data may be shared among Qurocare’s clinics, home care, and digital services for seamless and coordinated care. 
• Data Security and Protection
  • Controlled Access: Only authorized personnel with security training can access your data.
  • Data Retention: Data is stored only as long as necessary for medical care and research, then securely deleted or anonymized.
  • Data Breach Response: Users will be promptly notified in case of a breach, and steps will be taken to mitigate risks.
• Benefits to Users
  • Integrated care ensures better treatment coordination.
  • Seamless access to your records by healthcare professionals enhances continuity and efficiency.
  • Questions and Clarifications: For any concerns about your rights or data usage, contact the Qurocare team for assistance.

19. Consent Withdrawal: You may withdraw your consent for medical services by providing a written notice with a thirty (30) day notice period. This will allow Qurocare to seamlessly transfer or hand over medical responsibilities, and enable you to make alternative healthcare arrangements. By withdrawing your consent, you understand that it will result in the termination of all services, including subscriptions, packages, and any other services availed at Qurocare.

20. Termination of Services: You or Qurocare may terminate the provision of services with prior written notice. A minimum notice period of thirty (30) days is required to discontinue services. Upon termination, you agree to promptly settle any outstanding financial obligations related to the services provided up until that point, including unpaid bills, co-payments, or other fees.

21. Data Deletion: Upon termination, you may request the deletion of your personal and medical data by submitting a formal request. The request will be processed in compliance with applicable legal requirements and subject to a thirty (30) day notice period. Please note that certain data may need to be retained for legal or regulatory purposes.

22. Amendment of Terms and Conditions: Qurocare reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to you via email or other suitable means at least fifteen (15) days before they take effect. Continued use of Qurocare’s services following any amendment constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms.

23. Force Majeure: Qurocare shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in the performance of services due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, governmental actions, labor strikes, technical failures such as system downtime or network outages. In such instances, Qurocare will make reasonable efforts to resume services as soon as possible.

24. Consent for Diagnosis and Treatment By agreeing to this document, you provide your informed consent to receive diagnostic assessments, treatment, and follow-up care as deemed necessary by Qurocare healthcare professionals. This includes routine health check-ups, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and prescribed medications. You consent to:

• Receive medical care, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as advised by your provider.
• Proceed with prescribed treatments or decline them after understanding the implications.

25. Provider Responsibility: Qurocare ensures that all services are provided by professionals trained in accordance with applicable healthcare standards and regulations.

26. Scope of Telemedicine Services: Teleconsultations are provided to facilitate virtual access to licensed doctors for diagnosis and treatment. Telemedicine services are limited to conditions that do not require a physical examination.

• Limitations: Virtual consultations do not replace in-person assessments when required. You agree to provide accurate and complete information to avoid misdiagnosis. For urgent conditions requiring a physical examination, you must seek care at a local healthcare facility. Telemedicine services are also subject to the availability of technology and network stability.

27. Revocation of Consent and Service Discontinuation Users have the right to revoke their consent for specific services or discontinue their association with Qurocare at any time, ensuring full autonomy over their healthcare decisions. However, it is important to understand the implications of such actions.

• Revocation of Consent:
  • Written Notice: Users wishing to revoke consent for specific services (such as treatment, home care, or digital health services) must submit written notice to Qurocare to ensure clear documentation and reduce misunderstandings.
  • Implications of Revocation: Revocation of consent may result in the discontinuation of certain services. Users will be informed of any consequences, such as the need to transition to another provider or the impact on ongoing care.
• Discontinuation of Services
  • Notice Period: A reasonable notice period of thirty (30) days is requested for discontinuing services, allowing for the proper transition of care and ensuring that any ongoing medical treatments are completed or transferred appropriately.
  • Outstanding Financial Obligations: Any outstanding financial obligations, such as unpaid bills or co-pays, must be settled before service discontinuation is finalized.

28. Contributions to Global Healthcare Qurocare aims to contribute to global healthcare initiatives by sharing anonymized research findings with academic institutions, policymakers, and other global health organizations. This section outlines your consent to contribute to healthcare research that may have a far-reaching impact on public health and the advancement of medical treatments worldwide.

• Advancing Global Healthcare: By agreeing to share your anonymized data, you are helping contribute to international efforts aimed at improving healthcare practices, developing new treatments, and shaping public health policies. The findings from research studies can potentially influence healthcare strategies worldwide.
• Collaboration with Healthcare Initiatives: Qurocare may collaborate with global healthcare organizations and institutions, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to improve disease management, preventive care, and public health outcomes. Your data will be anonymized to maintain privacy.
• Improving Public Health: Research findings, particularly those involving large datasets from diverse populations, are instrumental in identifying key health trends, improving access to healthcare, and reducing disparities in health outcomes. By contributing to this research, you are supporting initiatives that can benefit public health on a global scale.

29. Contact Information: Address: Qurocare, Opp SBI, Pongumoodu, Medical College P. O, Thiruvananthapuram Phone Number: +918884397876 Email Address: info@qurocare.com

30. User Responsibilities 

• You agree to:
  • Provide accurate and complete medical history.
  • Follow prescribed treatments and schedules.
  • Use Qurocare’s digital platforms responsibly, ensuring the security of your login credentials (if any).

31. Other Key User/Patient  Responsibilities:

• Providing Accurate and Complete Health Information: Users are responsible for providing accurate and complete information regarding their medical history, current health conditions, medications, allergies, and any other relevant health details. This information is essential for making accurate diagnoses, developing appropriate treatment plans, and ensuring that prescribed treatments are safe and effective.
• Following Prescribed Treatments and Care Plans: Users should adhere to the prescribed treatment plans, including taking medications, attending scheduled appointments, and following healthcare provider instructions. Communicate openly with healthcare providers if there are difficulties following the treatment plan.
• Cooperation in Healthcare Procedures: Users are expected to cooperate with healthcare providers during procedures and treatments, including following pre-procedure instructions, actively participating in physical exams, screenings, and other assessments.
• Respecting Healthcare Providers and Facilities: Users should treat Qurocare staff, including physicians, nurses, and administrative personnel, with respect. Refrain from abusive behavior or disruptive actions that may impact the care of other users.
• Maintaining Financial Integrity: Users are responsible for ensuring that any financial obligations to Qurocare, including co-payments, premiums, and outstanding balances, are paid promptly. Notify Qurocare of any changes in financial status that may affect payments.
• Safeguarding Personal Health Information: Users must take precautions to protect their personal health information, including keeping login credentials to Qurocare’s digital platforms confidential and immediately reporting any suspected breaches of privacy.
• Engaging in Preventative Care and Wellness: Users are encouraged to actively participate in their own wellness by engaging in preventive health measures, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, vaccinations, health education and screenings as recommended by healthcare providers.

32. Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Complaints may be submitted via email to the customer care email address or through our website. We will acknowledge your complaint within 48 hours and aim to resolve it within 14 working days.

• Escalation: If unresolved, you may escalate the issue to Qurocare’s Grievance Officer posted at Qurocare clinics.

33. User Consent Form By proceeding, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood the Consent Terms & Conditions outlined above.
• You consent to Qurocare providing medical services as described.

By using Qurocare services, the user consents to receiving medical care and agrees to the collection, use, and storage of their data in accordance with Qurocare’s Medical and Data Privacy Consent.