Jess Faulkner L.Ac | East Asian Medicine Clinic is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information, including information transmitted via SMS text messaging.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information from our patients:
- Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and any other contact details you provide to us.
- Health Information: This includes information about your health condition, medical history, treatments received, and other healthcare-related information necessary for providing acupuncture services.
- SMS Text Messaging Information: If you opt-in to receive SMS text messages for communication and marketing, we may collect your phone number and information related to the SMS messages sent and received.
How We Use Your Information
We use the personal information collected for the following purposes:
- Providing Healthcare Services: To provide acupuncture treatments, consultations, and other healthcare services to our patients.
- Appointment Reminders: To send you appointment reminders and notifications via SMS text messaging, if you opt-in to receive them.
- Communication: To communicate with you regarding your appointments, treatment plans, test results, and other healthcare-related matters.
- Billing and Insurance Purposes: To process payments, submit insurance claims, and manage billing and financial matters related to your healthcare services.
- Quality Improvement: To monitor and improve the quality of our healthcare services and operations.
- Marketing Purposes: With your consent, we may deliver promotional messages, offers, or other marketing communications through SMS text messaging.
SMS Text Messaging for Communication and Marketing
When using SMS text messaging for communication and marketing purposes, we adhere to the following guidelines to ensure HIPAA compliance:
- Patient Consent: We obtain patient consent before sending any messages containing PHI via SMS text messaging and provide clear opt-in instructions for both communication and marketing purposes.
- Opt-Out Option: Patients have the option to opt-out of receiving messages via SMS text messaging at any time by contacting us directly or following the instructions provided in the messages.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not disclose your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
- Healthcare Providers: We may share your personal information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment or care, as necessary for providing coordinated healthcare services.
- Service Providers: We may engage trusted third-party service providers to assist us in delivering SMS text messaging services or performing other business functions on our behalf.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose your personal information if required by law or if we believe that such action is necessary to comply with legal obligations, protect our rights, or address fraud or security issues.
Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your information.
Your Rights
You have certain rights regarding your PHI, including the right to access, amend, and request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your PHI for marketing purposes. For more information about your rights, please contact us directly.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the updated policy on our website or through other appropriate means.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our use of SMS text messaging, please contact us at jess@jessfaulkner.com or 410-562-2051.
Effective Date: This Privacy Policy is effective as of 01/01/2017.
My path to oriental medicine came through my experience with massage & bodywork. For over 20 years I have been studying and practicing massage therapy, but it was when I discovered Shiatsu (acupressure), that I realized there was something very powerful about Chinese Medicine…