Privacy Policy & Texting (SMS) Terms and Conditions

GENERATIONS PRIMARY CARE, PSC

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

 

This notice describes how your medical information may be used and shared, and explains how you can access this information. Please review carefully.If you have any questions about this Notice, please contact our Privacy Officer, Shawn Langston.

 

YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION RIGHTS

- You may request a copy of your medical records.

- You may request restrictions on the use or sharing of your health information.

- You can request amendments to your health information.

- You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made.

- You may request communications through alternative methods or locations.

- You have the right to a paper copy of this notice upon request.

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WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT:

- Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number, Email Address, Insurance carrier and patient specific policy and group numbers, Preferred Pharmacy, Family member names and phone numbers. Rare instances may required Social Security Number depending on the insurance company, but this is uncommon.

 

HOW WE MAY USE AND SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

We may use your health information to:

- Provide treatment and coordinate your care with other providers.

- Process billing and payment for your healthcare services.

- Conduct operations, including quality assessments, staff training, and business-related activities.

 

We may also share your information with family or others involved in your care as outlined in the PATIENT AUTHORIZATION FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE form.

 

USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATION

Other uses of your medical information, not covered by this notice, will only be made with your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time.

 

SMS (TEXT MESSAGE) COMMUNICATIONS: With your consent, we may use SMS (text messages) to communicate:

- Appointment reminders

- Health education and wellness information

- Health care surveys

- General health and wellness information

- Patient specific health communication.

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

 

Examples: "Reminder: You have an appointment with Dr. Smith on [Date/Time]. Reply STOP to opt out."Standard message and data rates from your carrier may apply. Message frequency varies. Phone numbers collected through SMS consent will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.You can opt out of SMS messages anytime by replying STOP or by contacting our office directly. For assistance with SMS, reply HELP or contact us directly.

 

OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION 

We may disclose your health information without consent in certain situations required by law, such as public health activities, legal proceedings, law enforcement, health oversight, or to avert a serious threat to safety.

 

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We reserve the right to update this privacy notice. You may request a current notice at any time.

 

QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact our Privacy Officer: Shawn Langston. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.For further information, please contact our Privacy Officer:Shawn Langston, Generations Primary Care, 270-887-6767

 

Policy Effective Date: 3/16/2025

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SMS (texting) Terms and Conditions:

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1- SMS Consent Communication:

The information/phone numbers obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties

for marketing purposes.

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2- Types of SMS Communications:

If you have consented to receive text messages from Generations Primary Care, you may receive messages related to the following (provide specific examples):

• Appointment reminders

• Follow-up messages

• Billing inquiries

• Information related to patient care between patient/representative and staff.

 

Example: "Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming appointment with Dr. Smith at Generations Primary Care on [Date] at [Time]. You can reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging from (Brand Name) at any time."

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3- Message Frequency:
Message frequency may vary. You may receive up to 2 SMS messages per week regarding your appointments or account status.

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4- Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:

Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

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5- Opt-In Method:

You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from Generations Primary Care in the following ways (This is an example. Please include the method used.)

• Verbally, during a conversation

• By submitting an online form

• By filling out a paper form

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, doesn't explicitly prohibit texting, but it does require healthcare providers to protect patient information (PHI). Standard SMS text messages are not encrypted, lack audit trails, and can be intercepted, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access. 

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When Texting is Permissible:

• Patient-Initiated Contact: If a patient initiates a text message to a provider, the provider may respond, but should ensure the platform used is HIPAA compliant. 

• Patient Request for Alternative Communication: If a patient requests confidential communication via text, the provider can comply, but must first warn the patient about the risks and document the warning and consent. 

• Minimum Necessary Standard: Providers will only share the minimum amount of PHI necessary for the communication. 

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6- Opt-Out Method:

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

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7- Help:

If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

 

8- Standard Messaging Disclosures:

• Message and data rates may apply.

• You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP."

• For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our [Privacy Policy] and [Terms and Conditions] pages.

• Message frequency may vary

Opt-in Message:
Thank you for opting into SMS messages from Generations Primare Care. To opt out at any time reply STOP. For assistance reply HELP. Message and data rates may apply. Messaging frequency may vary

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Opt-Out Message:
Thank you for opting out of SMS messages from Generations Primary Care. You will not receive any further SMS communications. To opt back in at any time reply START.

Help Message:
Thank you for contacting Generations Primary Care. For immediate assistance, please call 270-887-6767. Message and data rates may apply.