General conditions for health services

Scope

These General Terms and Conditions apply to all contracts by which Oulu Sydänkeskus Ltd or self-employed persons working in its units (hereinafter referred to as “the Medical Centre” and “the Practitioner” and each separately as “the Provider”) provide and organise health services for consumers, businesses, municipalities or other private, public or third sector clients (“the Client”). Health services include, inter alia, consultations and consultations; and related support functions such as appointment booking and billing. To the extent that the Client is a consumer, these terms and conditions are without prejudice to any rights of the consumer under consumer protection law which cannot be otherwise agreed. Where the service is based in whole or in part on a contract between the service provider and a municipality, insurance company, sports club, employer or other body, the user of the service is hereinafter also referred to as “the patient”.

Parties to the contract and responsibility for the service

The medical centre has a well-established practice of both employees and self-employed workers. In addition to providing services such as examinations, the medical centre itself also provides, among other things, appointment and payment services on behalf of the self-employed. The practitioner is not employed by the medical centre. The practitioner, on the other hand, may carry out his activities either as a natural person or on behalf of a company. What is stated in these conditions concerning professionals also applies to such companies operating in the medical centre and employing professionals. The practitioner and the medical centre are separate contracting parties in relation to the client and the patient, and each is directly responsible to the latter for its own services. The practitioner and the medical centre are not responsible for each other. The practitioner and the medical centre have their own patient insurance under the Patient Compensation Act. The medical centre and the practitioners will provide further information on their status on request.

Creation and content of the contract

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, a contract is formed when the client or patient and the provider agree on an appointment.

Cancellation and delay

The Provider has the right to charge the unused time and service to the Client or Patient, unless the service is cancelled at the latest on the previous day (or at a different time separately indicated) before the agreed time. If the client or patient arrives late, the service provider is not obliged to exceed the agreed time or to start the agreed procedure if it cannot be performed within the agreed time. The provider will endeavour to see the client or patient at the agreed time, but due to the nature of the health service, the agreed time cannot be guaranteed. If the provider is more than 20 minutes late, the client or patient has the right to cancel the appointment by notifying the provider.

Prices

For the services of the practitioner and the medical centre, the price lists in force at the time apply. The practitioner and the medical centre set their own prices. In addition to the price of the treatment, examination and other services, an office fee will be charged. Due to the nature of the health service, it is not possible to estimate in advance all the examinations and treatments required.

Terms of payment

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the client pays for the service in cash using payment cards accepted by the Medical Centre, in accordance with the Medical Centre’s policy at the time of the visit. The fee is collected by the medical centre both on its own behalf and on behalf of the practitioner, the practitioner’s share being passed on to the practitioner. The provider is entitled to charge an advance payment. The client must inform the health care provider before the appointment and the actual health care service if the client is unable to pay or cannot otherwise pay for the service as described above. The service provider has the right to suspend his contractual obligations if there are grounds to suspect that the client is not fulfilling his contractual obligations. In the event of late payment, the customer is liable to pay interest on arrears in accordance with the Interest Act, as well as reminder and recovery costs.

Non-self-paying customers

In the case of an occupational health service or if the patient does not otherwise pay for the service, the patient must clarify and secure a payment arrangement when making the appointment to ensure a smooth service. If the service is not payable by the provider indicated by the patient, the patient is responsible for the payment.

Medical records and confidentiality

The creation, storage, disclosure and confidentiality of medical records are governed by the relevant laws and regulations.

Service characteristics and quality

The quality of health care and medical errors are defined by the Patient Compensation Act. A specific outcome of the service cannot be guaranteed. The information provided on the website and in other communications is for reference only and does not form part of the contract.

Handling feedback and claims about the service

Any disagreements about the service should be resolved in the first instance directly between the client or patient and the doctor or other person who provided the service. If this discussion does not resolve the matter, the claim may also be submitted to a designated processor at the medical center, who will forward the claims to the practitioner. If the case continues after the initial correspondence, the handling of the practitioner’s claim will continue directly between the practitioner and the client or patient. Claims under the Patient Compensation Act are governed by the Patient Compensation Act. A reminder may also be made in accordance with the relevant regulations. The Patient Ombudsman provides more detailed information on patient claims and complaints. Other claims must be submitted to the provider without undue delay within 2 weeks of the service.

Force majeure

The Service Provider shall not be liable for delays or other breaches of obligations caused by reasons beyond its control. Causes beyond the control of the service provider are strikes or other industrial action, fire, hospital bacillus as the cause of the interruption or other delay, illness of the receiving professional, interruption of electricity supply, telecommunications connections or the operation of information systems, action under public law or any other cause which the service provider cannot reasonably eliminate.

Damages

Patient damages are handled and compensated according to the Patient Damage Act. Otherwise, the provider’s liability is limited to the price paid for the service. Indirect damages will not be compensated.