Privacy & Communication Policy

Information and Communication Practices

At Piedmont Family Medicine, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients' information. This privacy policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal and health information, as well as our text message communication policies. Our goal is to provide clear and concise information on how we handle your information, the purposes for which it is used, and the options available to our patients for managing their privacy and communication preferences.

Information We Collect

1. Personal Information

   • We collect personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.

2. Health Information

   • We collect health information related to your medical history, current health conditions, treatments, and medications.

3. Payment Information

   • We collect payment information such as insurance details and credit card information for billing purposes.

How We Use Your Information

1. Provision of Medical Services

   • We use your personal and health information to provide you with medical care, treatment, and services.

2. Appointment Scheduling

   • We use your contact information to schedule and confirm appointments.

3. Billing and Insurance

   • We use your payment information to process billing and insurance claims.

4. Communication

   • We use your contact information to communicate with you about your health, appointments, and other relevant information.

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

   • We use and disclose your information as required by law, including for public health reporting and other regulatory requirements.

Disclosure of Your Information

1. With Your Consent

   • We may disclose your information to third parties with your explicit consent.

2. For Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations

   • We may disclose your information to other healthcare providers, insurance companies, and third-party service providers as necessary for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

3. As Required by Law

   • We may disclose your information without your consent when required by law, such as in response to a court order or subpoena.

Opt-In and Opt-Out Processes for Text Messaging

Use of Text Messages

1. Purpose of Text Messages

   • We use text messages solely for confirming appointments and verifying appointment availability.

   • We never communicate sensitive patient information via text message.

2. Initiating Text Messages

   • We will only send text messages from our main office number, 704-636-5626, in response to an incoming text message sent to that number from a patient.

Opt-In Process

1. Implicit Opt-In

   • By sending a text message to our main office number, 704-636-5626, patients implicitly opt-in to receive text message communications from us for appointment-related matters.

Opt-Out Process

1. Ways to Opt Out

   • Do Not Send Text Messages: If you prefer not to receive text message communications from us, simply do not send us any text messages.

   • Email Notification: You can opt out by sending an email to frontdesk@piedmontfm.com requesting to be removed from text message communications.

   • In-Person Notification: You can inform us in person during your visit to the clinic that you wish to opt out of text message communications.

   • Text Message Notification: You can inform us via text message at 704-636-5626, and express your wish to opt out of further text message communication. A human is reading the messages, and not a robot. You will no longer receive communication via text messages.

2. Confirmation of Opt-Out

   • Upon receiving your opt-out request via email, voice call, text message, or in person, we will process your request and ensure that you no longer receive text message communications from our office.

Security of Your Information

1. Safeguards

   • We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, use, and disclosure.

2. Employee Training

   • Our staff is trained on the importance of patient privacy and the measures we take to protect your information.

Your Privacy Rights

1. Access and Correction

   • You have the right to access and request correction of your personal and health information.

2. Restriction Requests

   • You have the right to request restrictions on how we use and disclose your information.

3. Confidential Communications

   • You have the right to request confidential communications, such as specifying a preferred method of contact.

4. Complaints

   • You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy or the use of text messages, please contact us:

• Email: frontdesk@piedmontfm.com

• Phone: 704-636-5626

• Address: 1401 W Innes St, Salisbury NC, 28144

Updates to Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will be posted on our website and will be effective immediately upon posting.

This comprehensive privacy policy ensures that patients are informed about how we handle their information, including the specific use of text messages, and provides clear instructions on how to manage their privacy preferences.