Terms of Service

Please read these terms carefully before using our website and services. By accessing our site, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Important Medical Disclaimer

This website and AI symptom checker are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to DermaCare Dermatology Clinic. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Service") operated by DermaCare Dermatology Clinic ("we," "our," or "us").

By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, then you may not access the Service.

Agreement Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to use our Service independently. If you are under 18, you may use our Service only with the involvement and consent of a parent or guardian.

2. Medical Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: The information provided on this website, including our AI symptom checker, is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

No Doctor-Patient Relationship:

  • Use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship
  • Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical consultation
  • AI symptom checker results are preliminary assessments only
  • Always seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals

Emergency Situations:

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not rely on our website or AI symptom checker for emergency medical situations.

Medical Advice Limitation

We cannot and do not provide medical advice through our website. Any health-related information is general in nature and should not be used to self-diagnose or replace proper medical consultation.

3. AI Symptom Checker Terms

Our AI-powered symptom checker, built with Watson Assistant technology, is provided subject to specific terms and limitations:

Intended Use:

  • Preliminary symptom assessment and educational information
  • General health guidance and recommendations
  • Assistance in determining if professional consultation is needed
  • Support for health awareness and education

Limitations and Disclaimers:

  • Not a diagnostic tool: Cannot replace professional medical examination
  • Limited scope: Cannot assess all medical conditions or symptoms
  • Accuracy limitations: Results depend on information quality provided
  • No emergency use: Not suitable for urgent or emergency situations

Data and Privacy:

  • Conversations may be recorded for quality improvement
  • Data is anonymized and used to enhance AI performance
  • No personal health information is stored permanently
  • Privacy policy governs all data handling practices

AI Limitations

While our AI is trained on extensive medical data, it cannot replace the clinical judgment of licensed healthcare professionals. Always consult with our dermatologists for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

4. Website Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree to use the Service in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Permitted Uses:

  • Learning about our dermatology services
  • Scheduling appointments and consultations
  • Using our AI symptom checker for preliminary assessment
  • Accessing educational health information
  • Communicating with our medical staff

User Responsibilities:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Maintain confidentiality of any login credentials
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
  • Use the website in a manner consistent with applicable laws

5. User Accounts and Registration

Some features of our Service may require you to create an account or provide personal information.

Account Security:

  • You are responsible for maintaining account security
  • Choose strong, unique passwords
  • Do not share login credentials with others
  • Report suspected unauthorized access immediately

Information Accuracy:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information
  • Update information promptly when changes occur
  • Medical accuracy is essential for proper care
  • False information may compromise your safety

Account Protection

We implement security measures to protect your account, but you play a crucial role in maintaining security through responsible account management.

6. Appointment and Service Terms

When scheduling appointments or using our medical services, additional terms apply:

Appointment Scheduling:

  • Appointments are confirmed based on availability
  • We will confirm appointments within 24 hours
  • Appointment requests are not guaranteed until confirmed
  • Emergency situations require immediate medical attention

Cancellation and Rescheduling:

  • Provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations
  • Late cancellations may incur fees
  • No-shows may be charged for missed appointments
  • Emergency cancellations are handled case-by-case

Telemedicine Services:

  • Technical requirements must be met for video consultations
  • Stable internet connection required
  • Some conditions may require in-person examination
  • Telemedicine has limitations compared to in-person care

7. Payment and Billing

Payment terms for our medical services and any premium features:

Medical Services:

  • Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements are made
  • Insurance coverage verification is the patient's responsibility
  • Co-pays and deductibles are due at time of service
  • Uninsured patients receive discounted self-pay rates

Billing and Collections:

  • Bills are sent within 30 days of service
  • Payment is due within 30 days of billing date
  • Late fees may apply to overdue accounts
  • Collection agencies may be used for delinquent accounts

Refund Policy:

  • Refunds are provided according to applicable laws
  • Medical services refunds are handled case-by-case
  • Disputed charges should be reported within 60 days
  • Insurance adjustments may affect final charges

8. Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of DermaCare Dermatology Clinic and its licensors.

Our Rights:

  • Website design, text, graphics, and logos
  • Software, applications, and technical systems
  • Medical content and educational materials
  • AI algorithms and symptom analysis tools
  • Trademarks, service marks, and brand names

Your Rights:

  • Limited license to use our website for intended purposes
  • Access to educational content for personal use
  • Right to print appointment confirmations and medical information

Restrictions:

  • No reproduction without written permission
  • No commercial use of our content
  • No reverse engineering of our AI systems
  • No creation of derivative works

9. Prohibited Uses

You may not use our Service:

Illegal Activities:

  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations
  • Fraudulent or deceptive practices
  • Identity theft or impersonation
  • Accessing without authorization

Harmful Actions:

  • Transmitting malware or viruses
  • Attempting to breach security
  • Interfering with website operation
  • Harvesting user information

Medical Misuse:

  • Using AI symptom checker for others without consent
  • Providing false medical information
  • Attempting to obtain prescription medications illegally
  • Using services for commercial diagnosis purposes

Violation Consequences

Violations of these prohibited uses may result in immediate termination of access and potential legal action.

10. Limitation of Liability

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, DermaCare Dermatology Clinic shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

Website and Technology:

  • Website downtime or technical malfunctions
  • Data loss or corruption
  • AI symptom checker inaccuracies
  • Third-party service failures

Medical Limitations:

  • Treatment outcomes vary by individual
  • No guarantee of specific results
  • Medical emergencies require immediate professional care
  • AI tools supplement but don't replace medical judgment

Liability Cap

Our total liability for any claims related to the Service shall not exceed the amount you paid for services in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless DermaCare Dermatology Clinic and its licensors, licensees, and service providers from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use or misuse of the Service
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Any false or misleading information you provide
  • Your failure to follow medical advice or recommendations

12. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to a breach of the Terms.

Termination Rights:

  • We may terminate access for Terms violations
  • You may discontinue use at any time
  • Medical relationships are governed by separate agreements
  • Some obligations survive termination

Effect of Termination:

  • Immediate cessation of Service access
  • Potential deletion of account information
  • Outstanding payment obligations remain
  • Medical records retention as required by law

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be interpreted and governed by the laws of the State in which our practice is located, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Dispute Resolution:

  • Good faith negotiation as first step
  • Binding arbitration for certain disputes
  • Local court jurisdiction for legal proceedings
  • Medical malpractice claims governed by applicable state laws

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will try to provide at least 30 days notice prior to any new terms taking effect.

Notification Process:

  • Website posting of updated terms
  • Email notification for significant changes
  • Clear indication of "Last Updated" date
  • Opportunity to review changes before they take effect

By continuing to access or use our Service after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

DermaCare Dermatology Clinic

Legal Department

123 Medical Center Dr.

Healthcare City, HC 12345

Phone: (555) 123-4567

Email: legal@dermacare.com

Fax: (555) 123-4568

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
We respond to legal inquiries within 2-3 business days