SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

Community Pediatric Clinic ("we," "our," or "us") offers SMS/text messaging services to communicate with our patients regarding appointments, reminders, and other healthcare-related information. By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages from us, you agree to these SMS Terms & Conditions ("SMS Terms").

2. Consent to Receive Text Messages

By providing your mobile phone number and checking the consent box on our forms, or by texting us to opt in, you expressly consent to receive text messages from Community Pediatric Clinic. These messages may include:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• Appointment cancellation or rescheduling notifications
• Lab result notifications (non-sensitive information only)
• Payment reminders and billing notifications
• General practice announcements and updates
• Health tips and educational content
• Responses to your text message inquiries

3. Message Frequency

The frequency of text messages you receive will depend on your interaction with our practice. You may receive:

• Appointment reminders: Typically 1-2 messages per appointment
• General communications: Up to 4 messages per month
• Responses to inquiries: As needed based on your questions

We will not send more messages than necessary to provide you with relevant healthcare information.

4. Opt-In and Opt-Out

4.1 Opting In

You can opt in to receive text messages by:

• Providing your mobile phone number and checking the consent box on our registration or contact forms
• Texting "JOIN" or "START" to our designated short code or phone number
• Verbally consenting during a phone call or in-person visit

4.2 Opting Out

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by:

• Texting "STOP," "QUIT," "END," "CANCEL," or "UNSUBSCRIBE" to our designated number
• Replying "STOP" to any message you receive from us
• Contacting our office by phone at (562) 864-4000
• Emailing us at info@heidiwinklermd.com

After you opt out, you will receive a confirmation message confirming that you have been unsubscribed. You will no longer receive text messages from us, except for a one-time confirmation of your opt-out request.

5. Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. You are responsible for any charges from your mobile carrier for receiving text messages from us. Please check with your mobile carrier to understand your messaging plan and any applicable charges.

6. No Medical Advice via Text Message

Text messaging is not appropriate for medical emergencies or for discussing sensitive health information.

• Do not use text messages to communicate medical emergencies. Call 911 for emergencies.
• Do not include sensitive health information in text messages, as text messages are not secure.
• For medical questions or concerns, please call our office or schedule an appointment.
• Our providers cannot diagnose or treat conditions via text message.

7. Privacy and Security

We are committed to protecting your privacy. However, please be aware that:

• Text messages are not encrypted and may be intercepted by third parties
• We will not include protected health information (PHI) in text messages
• We will not share your mobile phone number with third parties for marketing purposes
• Your mobile phone number will be stored in our secure electronic health record system
• We comply with HIPAA regulations regarding the protection of your health information

8. Message Delivery

While we strive to ensure timely delivery of text messages, we cannot guarantee that every message will be delivered. Message delivery may be affected by:

• Your mobile carrier's network status
• Your device's settings and capabilities
• Your location and signal strength
• Technical issues beyond our control

If you do not receive an expected message, please contact our office by phone.

9. Mobile Number Changes

If you change your mobile phone number, please notify us immediately so we can update our records. We are not responsible for messages sent to your old number after you have changed it.

10. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party SMS service providers to send text messages on our behalf. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use your mobile phone number to send messages on our behalf.

11. CAN-SPAM Compliance

Our text messaging practices comply with the CAN-SPAM Act and other applicable laws. All messages include:

• Clear identification of the sender
• Opt-out instructions
• Our physical mailing address

12. Modification of SMS Terms

Community Pediatric Clinic reserves the right to modify these SMS Terms at any time. We will notify you of any material changes by sending a text message to your mobile number or by posting the updated terms on our website. Your continued participation in our text messaging program after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

13. Termination of Service

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate our text messaging services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Technical issues or system maintenance
• Changes in applicable laws or regulations
• Abuse of the text messaging service
• Non-payment of services (if applicable)

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these SMS Terms or our text messaging practices, please contact us at:

Community Pediatric Clinic
10210 Orr and Day Road, Suite A
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: (562) 864-4000
Email: info@heidiwinklermd.com

15. Agreement to Terms

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these SMS Terms & Conditions. You represent that you are the owner of the mobile phone number provided or are authorized to consent to receive text messages on behalf of the owner.