Email Communication Policy
Our Clinic utilizes email communication with its patients and clients to improve the convenience and efficiency of your visits and care. Ensure that you read this policy thoroughly prior to signing the consent form.
​
Email communication with The MDs at Queensway Medical is not to be used for emergency or urgent medical concerns. If you are experiencing a medical emergency contact 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
​
Email Communication Policy
Uses of Email Communication
Email communication will not be used to communicate individual medical information in any capacity. Email communication with MDs at Queensway staff is restricted to the following uses:
Administrative
-
Providing directions (to practice location and other facilities)
-
Providing practice policies & protocols
Education and Health Promotion
-
Providing general education and health promotion electronic documents, resources, and links
-
Clinic newsletters and alerts/updates
Risks of Using Electronic Communication
MDs at Queensway cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications. Please consider the following risks of using email communication.
Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information
Employers & online services may have a legal right to inspect & keep electronic communications that pass through their system
Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings
Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored, or even changed without the knowledge or permission of the physician or the patient
Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, backup copies may exist on a computer system
Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order
Electronic communication can be misdirected, resulting in an increased risk of being received by unintended and unknown recipients
Electronic communication can be easier to falsify than handwritten or signed hard copies. It is not feasible to verify the true identity of the sender or to ensure that only the recipient can read the message once it has been sent
Email Communication Protocols & Practices
Emails will only be checked during clinic office hours
Emails will be triaged and answered according to internal clinic prioritization
While we will strive to return all email queries within 24 hours, we cannot guarantee this turnaround time
It is the responsibility of the patient to follow up on all email communications
No medical information or advice will be given or disclosed via email
Any forms submitted through the website will be directed to MDs@Queenswaymedical.com and may be reviewed and responded to by any of the clinic’s administrative staff
Email communication with our clinic must be limited to the aforementioned uses
Instructions for Email Communication