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Text Messaging Policy

Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC

info@seedofhopedtx.com

Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC uses text messaging as a convenient way to communicate with patients regarding their virtual care, in home visits, and wellness services. The purpose of this policy is to explain how SMS communication works, how consent is obtained, how often messages may be sent, and how we protect patient information under HIPAA, TCPA, CTIA, and wireless carrier regulations. Our goal is to ensure that all SMS communication remains safe, secure, compliant, and respectful of your privacy.

1. SMS Consent and Privacy Protection

When patients choose to receive text messages from Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC, they voluntarily provide a mobile phone number for communication purposes. This consent allows us to send messages related to your healthcare and engagement with our practice.

As required by carriers and federal guidelines:

Mobile opt in, SMS consent, and phone numbers collected for SMS communication purposes will not be shared with any third party or affiliates for marketing purposes.

Your phone number will only be used for direct communication between you and Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC.

2. Types of SMS Communications You May Receive

Patients who opt in to SMS messages may receive text communication related to:

  • Appointment reminders for telehealth or in home visits
  • Appointment confirmations and scheduling updates
  • Wellness updates or care instructions
  • Follow up messages after a visit
  • Billing notifications or payment reminders
  • Links to secure telehealth sessions

Example message:

“Hello, this is a reminder for your upcoming appointment with Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC. Please reply YES to confirm or STOP to opt out of messages.”

We will never include sensitive medical details in text messages, in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.

3. Message Frequency

The number of messages you receive depends on your upcoming appointments, follow ups, or account needs. Most patients receive:

  • Up to 2 appointment related messages per week
  • Occasional billing or follow up messages depending on your care

Message frequency will vary based on your services and your engagement with our practice.

4. Messaging and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier. These fees are determined by your carrier and may vary based on your plan.

5. Opt In Methods

You may give consent to receive text messages in any of the following ways:

  • Verbally during a telehealth or phone conversation
  • Through our online forms or appointment scheduling system
  • By signing one of our patient intake or consent forms
  • By providing your number through our secure website or patient portal

Your opt in is always voluntary and documented for compliance.

6. Opt Out Methods

Patients may stop receiving text messages at any time. You can opt out by:

  • Replying STOP to any SMS message
  • Contacting our office directly at info@seedofhopedtx.com
  • Requesting removal verbally during a telehealth or phone consultation

Once you opt out, you will no longer receive SMS messages unless you choose to opt in again.

7. Getting Help With Text Messaging

If you experience issues with SMS communication, you may reply HELP to any message.

You may also contact us directly at:

We are here to help and will respond as soon as possible.

8. Approved and Prohibited SMS Content

Our messages will always remain:

  • Professional
  • Brief
  • Respectful
  • HIPAA compliant

We do NOT send text messages containing:

  • Detailed medical information or diagnoses
  • Sensitive protected health information
  • Profanity, harassment, or inappropriate content

PHI will only be discussed through secure patient platforms or during telehealth appointments.

9. Security and Confidentiality

To protect patient privacy, SMS communications:

  • Are sent only from company managed numbers
  • Are handled through HIPAA compliant systems
  • Are used for minimal necessary communication only
  • Are logged as required for compliance and auditing
  • Are never sent from personal employee devices

Any suspected breach must be reported immediately to our compliance team

10. Employee Responsibility

All staff who send SMS messages:

  • Must complete training on HIPAA, TCPA, CTIA, and messaging compliance
  • Must use approved templates
  • Must honor opt out requests immediately
  • May not discuss protected health information over SMS
  • Must verify patient identity during necessary communication

Unauthorized use of SMS communication may result in disciplinary action.

11. Required Carrier Disclosures

Carriers require that all SMS programs include the following disclosures:

  • Message and data rates may apply
  • You may opt out at any time by texting STOP
  • For help, text HELP or email info@seedofhopedtx.com
  • Message frequency may vary

12. Contact Information

For questions about SMS consent, privacy protections, or communication preferences, contact:

Seed of Hope Medical and Wellness PLLC