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Provider Independence Policy

Understanding the Independent Contractor Relationship

Healthcare Provider Independence Statement

Important Legal Notice

All healthcare providers accessible through the Sylk Health platform are independent contractors and are not employees, agents, or representatives of Sylk Health.

Provider Responsibilities

Independent healthcare providers are solely responsible for:

  • All medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment decisions
  • Maintaining valid medical licenses and credentials
  • Compliance with medical standards and regulations
  • Medical malpractice insurance and liability
  • Patient care quality and safety
  • Medical record accuracy and maintenance

Sylk Health Platform Role

Sylk Health solely provides:

  • Technology platform for connecting patients with providers
  • Information aggregation and presentation services
  • Administrative and communication facilitation
  • Payment processing and scheduling tools

No Control Over Medical Services

Sylk Health does not control, direct, or influence the medical judgment of independent healthcare providers. We do not make medical decisions, provide medical advice, or guarantee medical outcomes. All medical services are provided at the sole discretion and responsibility of the independent healthcare provider.

Legal Rights and Recourse

Any claims, disputes, or legal actions related to medical services must be directed to the independent healthcare provider, not Sylk Health. Patients acknowledge that Sylk Health bears no liability for the acts, omissions, or negligence of independent providers.

Legal Framework and Structure

The relationship between Sylk Health and healthcare providers is governed by independent contractor agreements that explicitly establish the independence of all medical professionals using our platform.

Key Legal Distinctions

No Employment Relationship

Healthcare providers are not employees, agents, or representatives of Sylk Health. They operate their own independent medical practices and maintain complete autonomy over their medical decisions and patient care.

No Vicarious Liability

Sylk Health is not vicariously liable for the acts, omissions, or negligence of independent healthcare providers. Each provider maintains their own professional liability insurance and is solely responsible for their medical practice.

No Control Over Medical Services

Sylk Health does not control, direct, or influence the medical judgment, treatment decisions, or clinical practices of independent providers. All medical decisions are made solely by the healthcare provider in consultation with the patient.

Provider Responsibilities and Obligations

Medical Practice Responsibilities

  • Maintain all required medical licenses and certifications
  • Comply with all applicable medical standards and regulations
  • Maintain adequate professional liability insurance
  • Exercise independent medical judgment in all patient care
  • Maintain accurate and complete medical records

Financial and Business Responsibilities

  • Set their own fees and payment terms
  • Handle their own tax obligations and reporting
  • Manage their own business expenses and overhead
  • Determine their own work schedules and availability
  • Market their services independently if desired

Sylk Health Platform Limitations

What Sylk Health Does NOT Do

  • • Does not employ healthcare providers
  • • Does not supervise medical services
  • • Does not make medical recommendations
  • • Does not guarantee provider qualifications
  • • Does not control treatment protocols
  • • Does not set medical fees or prices
  • • Does not handle provider malpractice claims
  • • Does not maintain provider insurance
  • • Does not make clinical decisions
  • • Does not guarantee medical outcomes

What Sylk Health DOES Provide

  • Technology platform for connecting patients with providers
  • Administrative tools for scheduling and communication
  • Information aggregation and presentation services
  • Payment processing and transaction facilitation
  • Platform maintenance and technical support

Patient Rights and Recourse

Understanding Your Rights

Direct Provider Relationship

Your medical care relationship is directly with the independent healthcare provider, not with Sylk Health. All medical questions, concerns, and disputes should be addressed directly with your provider.

Provider Liability

Healthcare providers are individually responsible for their medical services. Any claims for medical malpractice or negligence must be pursued directly against the provider, not against Sylk Health.

Complaint Process

While Sylk Health does not control medical services, we maintain a feedback system for platform-related issues. Medical complaints should be directed to appropriate medical boards and regulatory authorities.

Provider Verification and Due Diligence

Your Verification Responsibilities

While Sylk Health may collect and display provider information, it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to verify the credentials, qualifications, and suitability of any healthcare provider you choose to engage.

  • • Independently verify medical licenses and certifications
  • • Research provider background and experience
  • • Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints
  • • Confirm insurance coverage and liability protection
  • • Obtain references and review patient feedback

Important Legal Implications

Critical Legal Notice

No Agency Relationship: Nothing in the use of Sylk Health's platform creates an agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between Sylk Health and any healthcare provider.

Limited Platform Liability: Sylk Health's liability is strictly limited to the technology services we provide. We are not liable for any medical services, outcomes, or provider actions.

Indemnification: Healthcare providers agree to indemnify and hold Sylk Health harmless from any claims arising from their medical services or professional conduct.

Choice of Law: Any disputes regarding the platform services (not medical services) are governed by the laws specified in our Terms of Service.

Questions About This Policy?

If you have questions about the independent contractor relationship between Sylk Health and healthcare providers, please review our complete Terms of Service or contact our support team for clarification.

Note: Our support team can only answer questions about platform policies and cannot provide medical advice or guidance about specific healthcare providers.

Last updated: December 2024 | This policy is subject to change without notice