Last Updated: January 2026

1. Introduction and Purpose

The mission of the platform is to improve access to high-quality medical care and to elevate the patient experience through responsible, ethical, and clinically sound telehealth practices. This Physician Code of Conduct (“Code”) establishes the professional, ethical, and operational standards expected of all physicians and licensed medical providers delivering care through the platform.

This Code aligns the platform’s commitment to patient safety, clinical integrity, and regulatory compliance with the independent professional responsibilities of each physician. All physicians are expected to review, understand, and adhere to this Code as a condition of participation on the platform.

This Code may be updated periodically to reflect evolving clinical standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in telemedicine. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of any updates.

2. Professional Conduct and Clinical Best Practices

2.1 Patient-Centered Care

Physicians must always act in the best interests of the patient and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and clinical judgment.

• Telemedicine may be a new experience for many patients. Physicians must approach all patient interactions with patience, clarity, and sensitivity.

• Physicians must communicate in a respectful, nonjudgmental, and understandable manner at all times.

• Clinical decisions must be individualized and based on the patient’s reported history, assessment findings, and applicable standard of care.

2.2 Clear Explanation and Informed Decision-Making

Physicians must clearly explain their clinical reasoning to patients.

• When prescribing treatment, physicians must explain the rationale, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives.

• When declining to prescribe or recommending alternative care, physicians must clearly communicate the reasons for the decision.

• Patients must be given an opportunity to ask questions and receive meaningful responses.

2.3 Follow-Up and Continuity of Care

• While certain follow-ups may be automated, physicians must exercise independent clinical judgment to determine when additional follow-up, clarification, or monitoring is required.

• Physicians should use the platform’s messaging tools to maintain appropriate communication with patients when clinically necessary.

• Physicians must review patient messages at least once per day when actively providing care.

• If unavailable for more than forty-eight (48) hours, physicians must notify the platform’s Patient Support team in advance to ensure continuity of care.

2.4 Documentation Standards

Physicians must document all clinical encounters accurately, thoroughly, and contemporaneously.

• Documentation must include clinical findings, assessments, decisions, and the rationale for prescribing or declining treatment.

• Special attention must be given to documenting contraindications, risk factors, red flags, and safety considerations.

• Documentation must comply with applicable medical, legal, and professional recordkeeping standards.

3. Conduct Expectations and Clinical Workflow

3.1 Patient Identity Verification

Physicians must verify patient identity prior to providing medical care.

• Identity verification may be completed through approved third-party verification tools or review of government-issued identification uploaded by the patient.

• Physicians must confirm that identifying and demographic information is consistent and accurate.

3.2 Establishment of the Patient-Physician Relationship

• Physicians must not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment until a valid patient-physician relationship has been established in accordance with applicable state laws.

• Physicians must comply with all state-specific telehealth, consent, and prescribing requirements prior to initiating care.

3.3 Fair and Focused Care Delivery

• Patients should be addressed in the order in which they present to ensure fairness and timely access.

• Physicians must not multitask during consultations. Each patient interaction requires full attention and independent clinical assessment.

• Physicians must not interfere in another physician’s consultation unless formally requested for a second opinion or clinical collaboration.

4. Safety, Security, and Privacy Responsibilities

4.1 Medication Safety and Clinical Review

Physicians must prioritize patient safety in all prescribing decisions.

• All reported medications, supplements, and prior treatments must be reviewed for interactions, contraindications, and duplications.

• Physicians must assess appropriateness of treatment based on the patient’s full clinical profile.

• If uncertainty exists regarding safety, physicians must seek a second opinion or escalate concerns through appropriate internal channels.

• Physicians must never prescribe medication when safety is uncertain.

4.2 Mental Health and Emergency Considerations

• Physicians must consider both physical and mental health factors when evaluating patients.

• If mental health concerns or safety risks are identified, physicians must address them appropriately and follow established escalation or emergency protocols.

• Physicians must adhere to all applicable laws regarding mandatory reporting and emergency intervention.

4.3 Security and Privacy Protection

Physicians are responsible for safeguarding patient information.

• Physicians must never share login credentials or allow access to their account by any other individual.

• Only approved, secure, and HIPAA-aligned tools may be used to access patient information.

• Physicians must avoid accessing patient information in public or unsecured environments.

• Patient information must not be shared outside the platform except as required for care delivery or by law.

5. Ethical Standards and Professional Integrity

5.1 Patient Safety and Independence

• Physicians must adhere to the principle of “do no harm.”

• Clinical decisions must never be influenced by financial incentives, volume targets, or non-clinical considerations.

• Physicians retain full independent medical judgment at all times.

5.2 No Self-Referral or Improper Diversion

• Physicians must not refer patients encountered through the platform to their own private practice.

• Appropriate referrals should be directed to primary care providers or other external providers when clinically indicated.

• Solicitation of patients for external services is strictly prohibited.

5.3 Professional Fitness for Duty

• Physicians must never provide medical care while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or substances that impair judgment.

• Physicians must maintain professional competence and fitness to practice at all times.

5.4 Mandatory Disclosures

Physicians must promptly disclose to the platform’s Patient Support or Compliance team any of the following: 

• Medical board complaints or investigations

• License restrictions, suspensions, or disciplinary actions

• Malpractice claims or settlements

• Criminal charges, convictions, or plea agreements

Failure to disclose such matters may result in immediate review, suspension, or termination of platform access.

6. Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with this Physician Code of Conduct may result in corrective action, including:

• Additional training or remediation

• Temporary suspension of platform access

• Termination of participation

• Reporting to appropriate regulatory or licensing authorities where required

All enforcement actions are taken to protect patient safety, platform integrity, and regulatory compliance.

7. Contact Information

For questions, disclosures, or concerns related to this Code of Conduct, please contact:

Compliance and Patient Support Team
Email: [email protected]

Acknowledgment

By providing care through the platform, physicians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Physician Code of Conduct and all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.