1. Definitions and Interpretation

In these Terms of Service, the following definitions apply:

2. Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights as a Patient

• To receive respectful, compassionate, and dignified care
• To be informed about your condition, treatment options, and risks
• To participate in decisions about your healthcare
• To privacy and confidentiality of your medical information
• To access your medical records (subject to legal requirements)
• To receive care without discrimination
• To voice complaints and receive timely responses
• To receive emergency medical care when needed
• To refuse treatment (except in life-threatening emergencies)
• To seek a second opinion

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

• Provide accurate and complete medical history and information
• Follow prescribed treatment plans and medication instructions
• Keep scheduled appointments or provide adequate notice of cancellation
• Treat staff and other patients with respect and courtesy
• Pay for services in accordance with our payment policies
• Inform us of any changes to your contact information or insurance
• Follow clinic policies and procedures
• Ask questions if you don't understand your treatment or instructions

3. Appointment Policies

Scheduling Appointments

• Appointments can be scheduled by phone, online, or in person
• We will confirm your appointment via SMS, email, or phone call
• Same-day appointments are subject to availability
• Emergency appointments will be accommodated when possible
• Initial consultations may require longer appointment slots

Cancellation Policy

Arrival and Wait Times

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment
• Late arrivals may result in shortened consultation time or rescheduling
• We strive to see patients on time but may experience delays due to emergencies
• You will be notified if delays exceed 30 minutes

4. Payment Terms and Billing

Payment Methods

Insurance and Third-Party Billing

• We work with major insurance providers in the UAE
• Pre-authorization may be required for certain treatments
• Patients are responsible for knowing their coverage limits
• Co-payments and deductibles are due at time of service
• Non-covered services must be paid by the patient
• Insurance claim rejections remain the patient's responsibility

Pricing and Fee Structure

5. Medical Disclaimers and Limitations

Nature of Medical Practice

• Medical practice involves inherent risks and uncertainties
• Treatment outcomes depend on various factors including patient compliance
• Some conditions may not respond to treatment as expected
• Side effects and complications, while rare, may occur
• Emergency situations may require immediate decisions without full consultation

Informed Consent

• You will be informed of risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment
• Consent forms must be signed for procedures and major treatments
• You have the right to ask questions and seek clarification
• Consent may be withdrawn (except in emergency situations)
• Special consent required for research participation or photography

Alternative Medicine Considerations

• Complementary treatments are used alongside conventional medicine
• Evidence levels may vary for different alternative therapies
• Integration with conventional treatments requires careful monitoring
• Some treatments may not be covered by insurance
• Patient education is provided about all treatment approaches

6. Limitation of Liability

Professional Liability

• Our liability is limited to the standard of care expected in the UAE
• We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by law
• Claims must be filed within the statute of limitations period
• Liability is limited to direct damages and does not include consequential losses

Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or inability to provide services due to circumstances beyond our control, including:

• Natural disasters, pandemics, or public health emergencies
• Government regulations or restrictions
• Equipment failures or technical problems
• Staff illness or unavailability
• Utility failures or infrastructure problems

Patient Responsibilities

Patients are responsible for following treatment instructions, disclosing relevant medical information, and seeking emergency care when appropriate. Failure to follow medical advice may limit our liability for treatment outcomes.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

Patient confidentiality is paramount to our practice. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we protect and use your personal health information.

8. Telemedicine and Digital Services

Telemedicine Consultations

• Video consultations available for follow-up appointments and certain conditions
• Technical requirements and internet connectivity are patient's responsibility
• Some physical examinations may require in-person visits
• Emergency situations require immediate in-person or emergency room care
• Prescriptions may be limited for telemedicine consultations

Digital Health Records

• Electronic health records maintained for all patients
• Secure patient portal access available
• Mobile app features subject to separate terms of use
• Data backup and recovery procedures in place
• Compliance with UAE data protection regulations

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Complaint Process

Dispute Resolution

• Disputes will be governed by UAE law
• Mediation preferred before litigation
• Dubai courts have exclusive jurisdiction
• English and Arabic languages accepted for proceedings

10. Changes to Terms

These Terms of Service may be updated periodically. We will notify patients of significant changes through:

• Posted notices in the clinic
• Email notifications to registered patients
• Website updates with effective dates
• Verbal notification during appointments for major changes

Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of updated terms.

11. Contact Information