SMS Messaging Privacy Policy for Four Pillars Healthcare PLLC
Effective Date: September 23, 2025
Four Pillars Healthcare PLLC ("we," "us," "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This SMS Messaging Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect the information you provide when you opt in to receive text messages from us. By opting in, you agree to the terms of this policy.
1. Information We Collect
When you opt in to our SMS messaging service, we collect the following information:
Your mobile phone number.
Your consent to receive SMS messages.
Your name (if provided).
Any information you provide in your message responses.
Message delivery and interaction data (e.g., timestamps, delivery status).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to provide you with the following types of messages:
Appointment reminders and confirmations: We may send you reminders about upcoming appointments and ask you to confirm your attendance.
Scheduling and administrative updates: We may communicate with you about scheduling changes, office closures, or other important administrative matters.
Healthcare communications: With your consent, we may send you messages related to your care, such as lab results, prescription refill reminders, or follow-up instructions.
Responses to inquiries: We may use your information to respond to your questions or support requests.
3. Privacy and Data Security
Four Pillars Healthcare PLLC is a healthcare provider and as such, we are governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws. We take the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI) seriously.
Security Measures: We implement technical and organizational security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
Unencrypted Communication: Please be aware that standard SMS messaging is not a secure, encrypted form of communication. There is a risk that your PHI, if included in a text message, could be intercepted or viewed by unauthorized third parties. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you acknowledge and accept this risk. Messages containing sensitive medical information or Protected Health Information (PHI) will be sent through the patient portal to ensure a secure and compliant exchange of information. We will use minimum necessary standard and try to avoid including sensitive PHI in text messages whenever possible, but this may not be feasible in all circumstances.
No Third-Party Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in data with any third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. We may share your information with trusted service providers who help us operate our SMS messaging program (e.g., our messaging platform provider), but these vendors are contractually obligated to keep your information secure and use it solely to provide services to us.
4. Your Choices and Rights
Opt-In Consent: Your consent to receive SMS messages is entirely voluntary. You have the right to refuse and it will not affect your ability to obtain treatment or benefits from us.
Opting Out: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. To opt out, simply reply with the word "STOP" to any message you receive from us. You will receive one final message confirming your opt-out. After this, you will no longer receive text messages from us unless you explicitly opt back in.
Help and Support: For assistance, reply with the word "HELP" to any message.
Access and Deletion: You have the right to access, update, or request the deletion of your personal information. To make such a request regarding your SMS-related data, please contact our office directly.
5. Message Frequency and Rates
Message Frequency: Message frequency will vary depending on your needs and the nature of your care.
Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply to any messages sent to or from you. Check with your mobile carrier for details on your specific plan.
If you have any questions about this SMS Messaging Privacy Policy, our data practices, or our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, please contact our office at:
Four Pillars Healthcare PLLC 272 Forest Park Circle, Panama City, FL 32405 Phone Number: 850-273-6131 Email: Clinic@gofphc.com
