Telehealth, Digital Communication & Out-of-State Educational Consultation Policy

Effective Date: October 15, 2025

This Telehealth and Digital Communication Consent Policy describes how telemedicine services and electronic communications are conducted by Steven Vasilev MD, A Professional Corporation (“the Practice”) through its programs, including Lotus Endometriosis Institute and Tranquility Women’s Health.

1. Purpose

This policy complies with California Business and Professions Code §2290.5 (the “Telehealth Act”) and applicable HIPAA privacy and security standards. It explains how telehealth visits are performed, how your information is protected, and what risks and benefits exist when communicating electronically.

2. What is Telehealth?

Telehealth involves the use of secure electronic communications, information technology, or other means between a patient and a healthcare provider in different physical locations. Examples include video conferencing, secure messaging, remote patient monitoring, and review of diagnostic data transmitted electronically.

3. Patient Consent

Under California law (§2290.5), your verbal or written consent is required before any telehealth service is provided.

• By scheduling or participating in a telehealth visit, you acknowledge that:
• You have been informed of the nature of telehealth.
• You understand that telehealth may be used in place of an in-person visit.
• You consent to receive care via telehealth from Steven Vasilev MD, A Professional Corporation.
• Documentation of your telehealth consent will be maintained in your medical record.

4. Risks and Limitations

While telehealth offers convenience and improved access to care, potential risks include:

• Technical failures, interruptions, or unauthorized access to data;
• Delays in evaluation due to incomplete information or poor image quality;
• In rare cases, a lack of physical examination may limit diagnostic accuracy.
• You may withdraw consent for telehealth services at any time without affecting your future care or access to in-person services.

5. Privacy and Security

All telehealth communications are conducted using HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platforms. The Practice maintains Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with all vendors that handle protected health information (PHI). Information shared electronically is subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person care.

6. Electronic Communication

We may communicate with patients via email, secure messaging portals, or other approved electronic means. However:

• Email and text messages are not secure for transmitting sensitive health information;
• Patients should use the secure portal for confidential or clinical communications;
• The Practice is not responsible for disclosures resulting from patient use of non-secure channels.

7. Record Keeping

All telehealth encounters are documented in the patient’s medical record in accordance with federal and state requirements. Electronic messages that contain clinical content are also retained as part of the health record.

8. Geographic and Licensing Limitations

Telehealth medical services are available only to patients physically located in California at the time care is delivered, as Dr. Steven Vasilev is licensed exclusively in that jurisdiction.

Free educational consultations may be offered both in-state and out-of-state to individuals considering establishing care and undergoing surgery in California with Dr. Vasilev. These sessions are informational only, limited to education about surgical options, preparation, expectations, and postoperative recovery. For out-of-state prospective patients, remote educational discussions do not establish a physician-patient relationship for diagnosis or treatment in the patient’s home state. The physician-patient relationship for Lotus’s surgical care is established in California through applicable in-person evaluation, informed consent, and treatment processes.

Endometriosis cannot be definitively diagnosed by website forms, records upload, phone calls, video discussions, or remote review alone. In all cases, definitive diagnosis requires surgical evaluation and pathology when tissue is removed. Therefore, pre-surgical consultations are based on patient history, prior records, imaging, and laboratory studies. Most patients do not require or receive an in-person preoperative examination by Dr. Vasilev, as physical examination is typically not additive for surgical planning.

Preoperative medical clearance for anesthesia and general health optimization is obtained separately through the patient’s local medical practitioner. Dr. Vasilev personally meets each patient in the preoperative area on the day of surgery to review the surgical plan, answer questions, and complete informed consent in accordance with California law and hospital policy.

Postoperative electronic communications may include surgical follow-up related to the California procedure, education, and coordination with the patient’s local care team, to the extent permitted by applicable law and within the scope of Dr. Vasilev’s California license. Urgent symptoms, local prescriptions, imaging, laboratory testing, and ongoing medical management outside California should be handled by clinicians licensed where the patient is located.

9. Emergency Situations

Telehealth is not appropriate for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

10. Contact Information

Questions regarding this policy or telehealth practices may be directed to:
Privacy Officer – Steven Vasilev MD, A Professional Corporation
office@lotusendo.com
(424) 255-1340