Privacy Policy & SMS Terms of Service

1. Privacy Policy

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Core Meridian Acupuncture understands that health information about you and your care is personal. We are committed to protecting your protected health information (“PHI”) and maintaining compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

We create and maintain records of the care and services you receive in order to:

  • Provide quality health care

  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

  • Support treatment, payment, and health care operations

We are required by law to:

  • Keep your PHI private

  • Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

  • Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect

We may update this notice at any time. Updated versions will be available in our office and on our website.

How We May Use and Disclose Health Information

We may use or disclose PHI without written authorization for:

Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

Including coordination of care, consultations, referrals, billing, and administrative clinic functions.

Legal Requirements

When required by federal or state law, court order, subpoena, or lawful administrative request.

Public Health and Safety

Including reporting abuse, preventing serious threats, law enforcement purposes, workers’ compensation, and health oversight activities.

Appointment Reminders & Health-Related Services

We may contact you regarding appointments, treatment options, follow-up care, wellness services, or other health-related benefits offered by Core Meridian Acupuncture.

Uses Requiring Written Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization for:

  • Use or disclosure of psychotherapy/session notes (except where legally permitted)

  • Marketing communications unrelated to your care

  • Sale of PHI (which we do not engage in)

You may revoke authorization at any time in writing.

Your Rights Regarding PHI

You have the right to:

  • Request limits on certain uses or disclosures

  • Request confidential communications

  • Access and receive copies of your medical records

  • Request corrections to your records

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • Obtain a paper or electronic copy of this notice

Requests must be submitted in writing, and we will respond within legally required timeframes.

Personal Information Collected (Including SMS)

We may collect:

  • Name, phone number, email, and contact details

  • Appointment and treatment information

  • Communications via phone, email, or SMS

  • Website interaction data

How Personal Information Is Used

We use personal information to:

  • Provide health care services

  • Communicate about appointments and care

  • Send administrative, service-related, or account notifications

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share information only with:

  • Health care providers involved in your treatment

  • HIPAA-compliant billing or administrative service providers

  • Government or legal authorities when required by law

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates.

2. SMS Messaging Terms & Conditions

By providing your phone number and opting into SMS communications from Core Meridian Acupuncture, you agree to receive text messages related to your care and clinic services.

Types of Messages You May Receive

Examples include:

  • Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations

  • Order or supplement pickup alerts

  • Account or billing notifications

  • Care-related follow-ups or wellness check-ins

  • Limited clinic announcements or service updates

Marketing messages will not be sent without explicit consent.

Message Frequency

Messaging frequency may vary based on your appointments, treatment plan, and communication needs.

Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan.

Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying:

STOP

After opting out, you will receive a one-time confirmation message and no further texts unless you re-enroll.

Help Instructions

For assistance, reply:

HELP

Or visit:
https://www.coremeridian.health

Privacy Policy & Terms Links

Full details are available online:

  • Privacy Policy & SMS Terms:
    https://www.coremeridian.health/privacy-policy-sms-terms-of-service

  • Terms of Service:
    [Terms URL]

3. General Terms of Service

No Medical Advice via SMS

SMS communications are for administrative and supportive purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Security Notice

While reasonable safeguards are used, SMS is not a fully secure communication method. By opting in, you acknowledge potential privacy risks associated with text messaging.

Changes to These Policies

Core Meridian Acupuncture may update this Privacy Policy and Terms at any time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

Contact Information

Core Meridian Acupuncture
Website: https://www.coremeridian.health

For privacy questions or requests, please contact the clinic using the contact information listed on our website.

Acknowledgement

By opting into SMS messaging or receiving services from Core Meridian Acupuncture, you acknowledge that you have received, read, and understand this Privacy Policy and SMS Terms & Conditions.