Provider Code of Conduct
Introduction
The ShyftMD.com mission is to help as many people as possible with their healthcare needs and ultimately improve the way that people interact with the medical system when addressing certain health conditions. This document serves as the universal code of conduct for provider use of the ShyftMD.com platform. Our goal is to align the values and philosophies of ShyftMD.com leadership and the providers who practice on the ShyftMD.com platform. This Code of Conduct will continue to be updated based on feedback from affiliated providers in order to ensure patients are always receiving the highest quality of care.
Best Practices on the Platform
Be Patient
Telemedicine is a new experience for many patients. They may ask questions that seem obvious (e.g., "How does telemedicine work?"). Please be sensitive to their concerns and work with them to determine the best course of treatment.
Always Explain
Always provide a detailed explanation to a patient whether you find it appropriate to write a prescription or not. Patients are coming to the ShyftMD.com platform because they are in need of your guidance and care.
Follow Up
The ShyftMD.com platform will automatically follow up with patients who receive treatment plans after 2 weeks, 1 month, and every 3 months thereafter. If you think that a patient needs additional follow up, you can automate follow ups in the messaging system or contact the ShyftMD.com Medical Operations team.
Document
Always thoroughly document your decisions. For example, if you approve a patient for treatment, and the ShyftMD.com system flagged one or several of their responses as a potential contraindication or risk, please make sure to document your rationale (e.g., you spoke to them via phone, video, or message and received additional clarifying information).
Check-in
The providers with the highest rate of patient satisfaction check their messages at least once per day. If you will be unavailable for more than 48 hours, please give the ShyftMD.com Medical Operations team one week notice so that we can ensure your patients receive timely responses to any question. In case of an emergency, please try to notify us as soon as possible.
Conduct Expectations on the Platform
Verify Identity
ID & Photo Match: The first step by any provider is to confirm the identity of the patient and ensure that the image uploaded matches the patient's government ID. This is also double-checked by automated software.
Personal Information: After you've confirmed the ID matches the Face Photo, confirm that the basic information entered during the online visit (i.e., first name, last name, DOB) matches the information on the government ID.
Follow State Protocols
The ShyftMD.com platform will always require you to confirm that you established a patient-provider relationship according to the state-specific requirement. Never provide any medical advice or treatment until you have adequately established a patient-provider relationship. When in doubt, please contact the ShyftMD.com Medical Operations team or ShyftMD.com's legal counsel.
Treat "Oldest" First
Please always treat patients who entered the ShyftMD.com platform first. We pride ourselves on providing timely service to our patients. This can only be done if those who have been waiting longer are served first.
One at a Time
If another provider has started to treat a patient, do not attempt to provide additional treatment unless specifically asked for a second opinion. In addition, providers should complete only one consult at a time before moving on to the next patient. Each consultation requires your undivided attention.
Safety, Security & Privacy
Drug Interactions
Always pay attention to reported medications and be alert to drug interactions. Please make sure to always check a patient's previous plans on the ShyftMD.com platform before making a treatment decision.
When There's Doubt, There is No Doubt
When in doubt about a specific drug interaction, please contact the ShyftMD.com Medical Operations team, who will route your question to one of ShyftMD.com's clinical directors.
If anything is unclear from the visit, please follow up with the patient. It is always better to be 100% certain that you have all the necessary information.
Never create a prescription for a patient if you are unsure if it's safe. It is always better to get a second opinion or refer the patient to his/her in-person primary care provider when in doubt.
Pay Attention to Underlying Causes
Our patients' mental health is as important to us as their physical health. Always follow up with patients who provide answers concerning their mental health. Please refer to the Emergency Plan located in the ShyftMD.com's Manuals and Protocols folder for guidance on how to respond if a patient is experiencing a medical emergency.
Consistently Review Protocols
Please reference the condition-specific Provider Protocols regularly. They contain the most important points on safe practices on the ShyftMD.com platform and should serve as a continuous reference for providers. Most importantly, all medical decisions should be made solely at your discretion according to the standard of care.
Never Share
Never share your ShyftMD.com provider portal password with anyone. Never share any patient information with anyone outside of ShyftMD.com and only share information that is required for someone to complete their job.
Secure PHI
Never share PHI using any software tool that is not HIPAA compliant. Access patient charts only through the HIPAA-compliant clinical platform. Never work on the platform in open areas where someone may be able to see your screen and see PHI.
Ethical Expectations for Platform Providers
ShyftMD.com-affiliated providers are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards called upon by the medical profession.
Do No Harm
First, do no harm. The practice of medicine is a calling. Always put your patients' safety first. Patient safety is the first and primary priority. You will always be compensated the exact same, regardless of whether a prescription is written.
No Self-Referral
Patients that come through the ShyftMD.com platform should never be self-referred to your own practice. If a referral is needed, please refer them to their primary healthcare provider or other outside provider.
Sound Body & Sound Mind
Never engage in the practice of medicine on our platform while under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances.
Keep Us Informed
In case of a board complaint, hospital administrative action, malpractice suit or judgment, or any other administrative or disciplinary action against you (including a criminal charge or conviction related or unrelated to the practice of medicine), please promptly notify the ShyftMD.com Medical Operations team.
Thank you.