Terms & Conditions
Please read these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) carefully. By accessing or using the services of Dr Musa Sami (“Musa”, “us”, “we”, “our”), you (“you”, “the patient”) agree to be bound by these Terms, along with our Privacy Policy (as published at https://drmusasami.co.uk/privacy-policy/) (“Privacy Notice”). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our services.
1. Who We Are
1.1. Identity
Dr Musa Sami (“Musa”) is a Consultant Psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and other relevant UK medical and psychiatric professional bodies.
1.2. Qualifications & Experience
Musa holds relevant medical and postgraduate qualifications and has extensive clinical experience across both NHS and private practice settings, providing evidence-based psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
1.3. Contact & Professional Details
Contact details are available via the website (https://drmusasami.co.uk). Musa operates in accordance with GMC professional standards and applicable UK healthcare regulations.
1.4. Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
Musa is committed to practising in accordance with the highest professional, ethical, and clinical standards as required by the GMC, Royal College of Psychiatrists, and other relevant bodies. All services are provided in line with good medical practice, with respect for patient safety, confidentiality, and autonomy.
1.5. Safe and Ethical Prescribing
We are committed to safe and ethical prescribing and medicines management as outlined in Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines and Devices (GMC, April 2021). This includes the following commitments tailored to the psychiatric services provided:
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1.5.1. Musa will only prescribe medication or treatment, including repeat prescriptions, when he has adequate knowledge of the patient’s health, clinical presentation, and history, and is satisfied that the prescribed medication or treatment serves the patient’s individual needs.
1.5.2. Musa will only prescribe medication or recommend treatment that is considered effective based on the best available clinical evidence and accepted psychiatric practice.
1.5.3. Musa will take reasonable steps to check that any prescribed care or treatment is compatible with other treatments the patient may be receiving, including where possible self-prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Patients are responsible for disclosing all such treatments and substances to assist this process.
1.5.4. There is no guarantee that any specific medication, prescription, or therapy will be offered. Musa will operate in a professional manner and in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, codes of practice, and established medical ethics. Musa reserves the right to decline to prescribe any medication or treatment if, in his professional judgment, the conditions for safe and appropriate prescribing are not met.
1.6. Communication and Style of Practice
Each psychiatrist brings their own professional approach to clinical interaction, including their style of listening, questioning, body language, and communication. Musa’s approach reflects his clinical training, expertise, and personal manner, which may differ from what some patients expect. This does not indicate a lack of empathy, attentiveness, or professionalism. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns about communication style openly so that adjustments or clarifications can be made where appropriate.
2. Services Provided
2.1. We provide psychiatric and mental health services, which may include but are not limited to:
- Diagnostic assessment (e.g. mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, psychotic disorders)
- Psychiatric treatment (psychopharmacology, medication management)
- Psychological or psychotherapy support (where applicable)
- Monitoring, follow-up, and titration of treatment
- Remote consultations (videoconference / telemedicine)
- Home visits (if available and agreed)
- Referral to external services, further investigations, or additional treatments
2.2. The precise nature, scope, and format of services delivered will depend on your clinical needs, the applicable standards of care, and mutual agreement.
3. Patient Registration and Verification
3.1. Registration
To become a patient, you must complete a registration process via the website or designated patient portal. You will be asked to provide certain personal, medical, and contact information.
3.2. Identity Verification
You must provide valid proof of identity (e.g. passport, driving licence) and proof of address (e.g. utility bill) as requested. We reserve the right to refuse registration or delay treatment if verification is not satisfactorily completed.
3.3. Medical History & Consent
As part of registration, you must provide a full and accurate medical history, current medications, allergies, past diagnoses, and relevant documentation. You consent to us collecting and processing this health and personal data under the Privacy Notice.
3.4. Eligibility & Refusal
We reserve the right to refuse registration or continuation if we determine (in our clinical judgement) that we cannot safely or effectively support your care under our service model.
4. Terms of Appointments; Attending the Full Appointment
4.1. Booking
Appointments must be scheduled in advance through our booking system or as agreed. You will receive confirmation of date, time, and modality (in-person, remote, home visit).
4.2. Punctuality & Duration
You should join or arrive on time. Appointments are of a defined duration; if you are late, the consultation may be shortened or rescheduled.
4.3. Attending Full Appointment
You agree to attend and remain for the full appointment. Partial attendance does not excuse full payment. If you leave early without agreement, you may still be charged in full. You agree that unless you attend your full appointment, I will not be able to fully understand your condition.
4.4. No-show / Missed Appointment
If you do not attend (a “no-show”) or fail to attend without notice, you may forfeit your appointment fee (see Section 14).
5. Fees, Payment & Refunds
5.1. Fees
We publish a schedule of fees for assessments, follow-ups, remote or in-person appointments, and any other services upon request or via our website. Fees are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted; any changes will be communicated in advance where possible.
5.2. Payment Responsibility
Payment for all services is the responsibility of the patient. Fees must be paid in full at or before the time of the appointment, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in writing.
5.3. Insurance Payments
If you intend to claim reimbursement or direct payment through a private medical insurer, you must confirm with your insurer that the service and clinician are covered under your policy.
- If we invoice your insurer directly, you authorise us to share the necessary administrative and clinical information required for payment.
- If, for any reason, your insurer fails or refuses to pay part or all of the fee — including but not limited to policy exclusions, excesses, pre-authorisation issues, or coverage limits — you remain personally liable for the outstanding balance.
- We reserve the right to invoice the patient directly for any shortfall or unpaid amount and expect prompt settlement.
5.4. Attendance and Appointment Duration
Our fees are based on the time allocated and the clinician’s professional commitment, not on the amount of time actually attended or used.
- Whether a patient attends the full appointment or only part of it, or leaves early, the full appointment fee will be charged.
- If you arrive late, the session may need to be shortened but the full fee still applies.
5.5. Refunds and Cancellations
Refunds are made at our discretion and only in accordance with the cancellation terms in Section 14. If an appointment is cancelled by Musa for reasons outside your control, we will offer a refund or alternative appointment.
5.6. Outstanding Payments
We reserve the right to suspend further appointments, withhold reports, or discontinue treatment until all outstanding balances are paid in full. Repeated non-payment may result in termination of care.
6. Obligations of Patient and Musa
6.1. Your Obligations
- Provide full, accurate, and timely information about your health, history, medications, and contacts.
- Disclose all relevant matters (e.g. co-morbidities, substance use).
- Comply with agreed treatment plans, attend follow-ups, report side effects.
- Be respectful of staff, follow instructions, and act responsibly.
- Pay fees on time.
- Notify us of any change in circumstances (e.g. address, new diagnosis, new medications from elsewhere).
6.2. Musa's Obligations
- Provide services with due skill, care, and in accordance with professional and clinical standards.
- Maintain your confidentiality and comply with applicable data protection laws and the Privacy Notice.
- Communicate clearly regarding diagnosis, risks, benefits, and alternative options.
- Make reasonable efforts to refer or coordinate with your GP or other specialists as appropriate.
7. Privacy Notice
Your privacy is important. Our Privacy Policy (at https://drmusasami.co.uk/privacy-policy/) governs how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal and health data. By using our services, you agree to our processing of your data in accordance with that Privacy Notice.
8. Prescriptions
8.1. If clinically appropriate and safe, Musa may issue a prescription (or prescription plan) for medication.
8.2. The prescription is subject to his clinical judgement, relevant prescribing guidelines, and local regulatory restrictions.
8.3. It is your responsibility to take the prescription to a pharmacy (or via electronic prescribing, if available) and to adhere to instructions.
If prescriptions are declined due to safety concerns, Musa will explain the reasoning and consider alternatives or referral.
9. GP Referral; Limitations & Referral Back
9.1. GP Liaison
Where needed (or at your request), Musa may liaise with your general practitioner (GP) to coordinate care, share reports, or request investigations.
9.2. Referral Back
If at any point Musa determines (in his professional judgement) that your condition is beyond what he can safely manage in his service, he may refer you back to your GP or to another specialist service.
9.3. No Guarantee
We do not guarantee that every request for referral or liaison will be accepted by your GP or another service.
10. Further Investigations & Treatment
10.1. Any diagnostic tests (e.g. blood tests, imaging, neuropsychological assessments) or treatments beyond what Musa provides directly (e.g. inpatient admission, therapies beyond his scope) are your responsibility to obtain and fund.
10.2. We may advise or refer you to external services or providers, but we are not liable for the quality, cost, or availability of those external services.
11. Remote Consultation
11.1. Remote consultations (via videoconference, telephone, or other electronic means) may be offered.
11.2. You are responsible for providing a suitable environment (privacy, internet connection, device).
11.3. Remote services are subject to limitations (clinical, technical). If the consultation cannot proceed safely remotely, it may be converted to an in-person appointment or rescheduled.
11.4. You consent to the technical risks (e.g. disruption, data security) inherent in telemedicine.
12. Out-of-Hours
12.1. Musa’s routine services operate within specified hours (available on the website). Outside of such hours (“out-of-hours”), service availability is limited and may incur additional charges or may not be available.
12.2. In emergencies or urgent mental health crises, you should contact emergency services (999 in the UK) or local NHS crisis services. These Terms do not cover urgent/emergency response.
13. Cancellation and Lateness
13.1. By You
If you cancel or reschedule with at least [e.g. 48 hours] notice, you will not incur a cancellation fee (or may receive a refund). If notice is given late (e.g. fewer than 48 hours) or you fail to attend, a cancellation or no-show fee may apply (often the full appointment fee).
13.2. By Musa
If Musa must cancel (e.g. due to illness, emergency), we will give as much notice as possible and offer to reschedule or refund the fee.
13.3. Lateness
If you are late, we may (at our discretion) truncate or reschedule the appointment; you may still be liable for full or partial fee.
14. Providing a Safe Service
14.1. We are committed to delivering a safe, respectful, and secure service in compliance with clinical and regulatory standards.
14.2. We carry out risk assessments and clinical judgments; if at any point we believe it is unsafe to proceed (e.g. due to suicidality, self-harm risk, inadequate environment), we reserve the right to suspend or terminate a session and refer you to emergency care.
14.3. You must inform us if you have current or past risks (suicidal thoughts, self-harm, violence, substance misuse) so we may safely manage care.
15. Limitation of Liability
15.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability to you is limited to direct loss or damage caused by our negligence, up to a maximum of twice the fee paid for the relevant service.
15.2. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages (e.g. loss of earnings, emotional distress beyond that inherent in treatment).
15.3. We are not liable for outcomes caused by your non-compliance, failure to disclose information, external services, third parties, or unforeseeable events.
15.4. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited (e.g. for death or personal injury due to negligence).
16. Limitation on Service
16.1. We do not guarantee that we can treat all conditions, crises, or levels of severity.
16.2. Services are subject to professional judgment; we may decline to treat or may refer to another provider if we assess that your needs exceed what we can safely manage.
16.3. We do not guarantee specific outcomes, cures, or improvements. Treatment is offered based on clinical best practice but response varies.
17. Feedback, Complaints & Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
17.1. Feedback & Complaints
If you are dissatisfied, you may submit a complaint via our complaints procedure (published on site). We will handle complaints fairly, timely, and confidentially.
17.2. External Bodies / Regulators
You may also refer issues to regulatory bodies (e.g. General Medical Council, psychiatric professional bodies, data protection authorities) where appropriate.
17.3. Alternative Dispute Resolution
To the extent applicable, we may agree to engage in ADR (e.g. mediation) to resolve disputes if you and we both consent.
Miscellaneous
These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales. Disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
We may amend these Terms from time to time; we will notify you of significant changes. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
If a provision is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force.
These Terms, together with the Privacy Notice and any service-specific agreements, constitute the full agreement between you and Musa regarding these services.
