We may ask you for a photograph
- WHY a photo?
Your clinician would like to see a photo to help with your consultation. This will allow a more accurate diagnosis and plan to be made.
- WHAT options?
At present we are trying to limit face-to-face contact due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, if you cannot provide a photo then you can have a video consultation or a face-to-face consultation.
- WHO will see it?
The clinician dealing with your care will be able to see this photo, and it will be stored in your records. In future, other clinicians and administration staff who are bound by confidentiality, will also be able to see this photo in your records. The photo may be shared with other clinicians for your care, e.g. for a referral.
- HOW?
Emailing a photo from your phone to the practice email is not a secure link and may expose you to cyber-crime for which the Practice cannot be held responsible. Once held within your medical record the photo will only be used for direct care, unless you give us permission to use it for teaching or other purposes, e.g. writing an insurance report. The photo would also be available if a court wants your records for legal proceedings.
- WHERE?
The image will be stored in your GP records as long as you have them in the United Kingdom and should be transferred if you move practice.