SMS Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 9/1/2025

This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and manage your information when you opt in to receive SMS (text) communications from our practice.

1. Information We Collect

When you opt in to receive SMS messages, we may collect:

• Your mobile phone number

• Your name (if provided)

• Any information you share with us via SMS (e.g., responses, requests, or questions)

We do not collect or store any sensitive medical information through SMS. SMS should not be used for emergencies or sharing protected health information (PHI).

2. How We Use SMS Information

We may use your mobile number to:

• Send appointment reminders and confirmations

• Provide scheduling updates

• Communicate practice-related announcements

• Respond to general, non-clinical inquiries

We will never use SMS to deliver medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment information.

3. SMS Consent and Opt-Out

By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive SMS messages from us. Message frequency may vary.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. You may also reply HELP for assistance. After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS communications, though you may still receive calls or emails as appropriate.

Standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile plan.

4. HIPAA and SMS Communications

While we are a HIPAA-compliant healthcare practice, SMS (text messaging) itself is not considered a fully secure or HIPAA-compliant method of communication. By choosing to communicate with us via SMS, you acknowledge and accept the inherent privacy risks.

To protect your health information:

• We will not send protected health information (PHI) through SMS.

• You should not send PHI, medical questions, or any sensitive information via SMS.

• Clinical care, treatment discussions, and medical documentation will only occur through HIPAA-compliant systems such as our patient portal or the Myo app.

If you prefer not to communicate by SMS, please notify us and we will document your communication preferences.

5. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, SMS is not a fully secure communication method. For your protection:

• Do not send sensitive or confidential information via SMS

• Do not use SMS for urgent or emergency issues

For secure communication, please use our patient portal or Myo app.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number with third parties for marketing purposes.

We may share your information only when required by:

• Law

• Court orders

• Regulatory or compliance obligations

6. Third-Party Messaging Providers

Our SMS services may be facilitated through trusted third-party vendors who assist with message delivery. These vendors are required to protect your information and comply with all applicable privacy laws.

7. Your Responsibilities

To help ensure your privacy:

• Keep your mobile device secure

• Inform us promptly if your phone number changes

• Do not transmit personal or medical information via SMS

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this SMS Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Birmingham Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
205-201-0658

2129 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Birmingham, AL 35209