Terms and Conditions

Last Updated:

January 25, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to 2ndopinion.doctor (“the Service,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you and 2ndopinion.doctor, governed by the laws of the United States of America.

2. Service Description

2ndopinion.doctor provides a platform connecting users with European medical professionals for informational second opinions. This Service explicitly complies with all applicable U.S. federal and state telemedicine laws by providing strictly informational services and not engaging in the practice of medicine within the United States.

3. User Eligibility and Jurisdiction

Users must be at least 18 years old or have guardian consent
Users must be legal residents of or located in the United States when using the Service
Users must have the legal capacity under U.S. law to enter into these Terms
Users must provide accurate and complete information as required by U.S. law

4. Medical Disclaimer and Compliance

4.1 Regulatory Compliance

This Service operates in compliance with:

State-specific telemedicine regulations
Federal healthcare laws and regulations
HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
Interstate Medical Licensure requirements

4.2 Non-Treatment Nature

The Service explicitly does not:

Provide medical treatment as defined by U.S. law
Establish a physician-patient relationship under U.S. law
Replace or substitute for U.S. licensed medical care
Provide prescriptions or medical orders valid in the U.S.

4.3 Provider Status

European medical professionals providing opinions through our platform:

Are not licensed to practice medicine in any U.S. jurisdiction
Cannot and do not provide diagnoses, prescriptions, or treatments requiring U.S. licensing
Provide informational insights only, which are non-binding under U.S. law

5. User Responsibilities and Acknowledgments

Users explicitly acknowledge and agree that:

The Service does not constitute medical care under U.S. law
They must maintain an active relationship with a U.S. licensed healthcare provider
Any action taken based on information received is at their own risk
Emergency medical conditions require immediate contact with local emergency services (911)

6. Privacy and Data Protection

6.1 Data Protection Practices

We prioritise the security and confidentiality of all information submitted through our website. We utilise:

Encryption: All data transmitted through our website is encrypted using HTTPS.
Secure Email: Information is sent using TLS encryption.
Access Controls: Data access is restricted to authorised personnel only.

6.2 Data Processing

We handle all submitted information with care and in line with applicable data protection laws. Specifically:

Data is processed and stored securely.
We continually review and improve our data protection practices.
Users have the right to access, modify, or request deletion of their data by contacting us.

6.3 Compliance and Future Plans

While we are not currently HIPAA-certified, we are evaluating our systems and processes to ensure the highest standards of data protection, particularly for sensitive information.

7. Payment and Refunds

7.1 Fees and Billing

All fees are denominated in U.S. dollars
Services are subject to applicable state sales tax
Payment processing complies with U.S. financial regulations

7.2 Refund Policy

Aligned with U.S. consumer protection laws:

Full refunds if service cannot be provided
Partial refunds for incomplete services per state requirements
Dispute resolution following U.S. consumer protection standards

8. Limitation of Liability

Liability limitations conform to U.S. law:

Maximum liability limited to fees paid for the specific service
No liability for consequential or punitive damages where permitted by law
State-specific consumer protection rights preserved

9. Intellectual Property

All content protected under U.S. copyright and intellectual property laws, including:

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) compliance
Fair use provisions
Content licensing and usage rights

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Specific U.S. State], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

10.2 Arbitration Agreement

All disputes arising out of or related to these Terms, including disputes regarding the validity, enforceability, or scope of this arbitration agreement, shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act. Arbitration shall be conducted:

Location: In the state of North Carolina, unless both parties agree to a different location.
Rules: In accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or another mutually agreed arbitration organisation.
Arbitrator: By a single, neutral arbitrator selected by mutual agreement of the parties or as provided under the arbitration rules.
Fees: The cost of arbitration, including arbitrator fees, will be shared equally by both parties unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.

By agreeing to arbitration, users waive their right to a jury trial or to participate in class-action lawsuits to the extent permitted by applicable law. This arbitration agreement does not preclude users from seeking relief in small claims court for disputes or claims within the scope of such court’s jurisdiction.