Electronic Communication with Patients

Forest Lake Local Doctors

Forest Lake Local Doctors uses electronic communication to assist with the delivery and coordination of patient care. This may include SMS, email, online booking systems and other approved electronic communication methods.

SMS Communication

We may use SMS to send patients appointment confirmations and reminders.
Recall and reminder notifications.
Practice-related information.
Other healthcare communications where appropriate.

Patients are encouraged to ensure their mobile number and other contact details are kept up to date.

Email Communication

Email may be used for appropriate administrative and healthcare-related communication. However, email is not considered a secure method of communication and should not be used for urgent medical matters.

Patients should be aware that electronic communication carries privacy risks, including the possibility that information may be intercepted, sent to an incorrect recipient or accessed by another person.

Where appropriate, consent may be obtained before personal or health information is communicated electronically.

Medical Advice

Email and SMS are not a substitute for a medical consultation.

Clinical advice will only be provided electronically where the treating practitioner considers it appropriate. Patients may be asked to book an appointment where their concern requires clinical assessment or further discussion.

For urgent medical concerns, please contact the practice by telephone. In a medical emergency, call 000.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Forest Lake Local Doctors takes reasonable steps to protect the privacy and confidentiality of information communicated electronically. Relevant electronic communication relating to a patient’s healthcare may be documented in their medical record.

For further information about how we collect, use and protect personal and health information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.