The Art of Healing Chiropractic Clinic: Patient Texting Policy
Purpose
This policy is designed to provide guidelines for sending text messages to patients of The Art of Healing Chiropractic Clinic in a manner that is respectful, secure, and compliant with privacy regulations, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
1. Types of Text Communications
The Art of Healing Chiropractic Clinic may use text messaging to communicate the following information:
- Appointment reminders or rescheduling
- Health and wellness tips
- Clinic updates or closures
- Patient care follow-up and inquiries
- Administrative messages (billing, insurance updates, etc.)
2. Patient Consent
Before texting any patient, the clinic must obtain explicit consent from the patient. Consent can be provided through the following:
- Signing the clinic’s electronic or paper consent form during the initial visit.
- Opting in via a text message system or online portal. Patients can opt out at any time by notifying the clinic or replying “STOP” to any clinic-related text message.
3. Content Restrictions
To protect patient privacy and confidentiality, the clinic will not send sensitive health information through text messages. Text messages should not include:
- Diagnosis details
- Treatment plans
- Financial account information For inquiries requiring sensitive information, patients will be directed to call the clinic or use secure communication channels.
4. Text Message Hours
The clinic will only send text messages during standard business hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday). No messages will be sent outside these hours unless there is an emergency or the patient has requested communication at a different time.
5. Frequency of Texts
Messages will be sent sparingly to avoid overwhelming patients. Typically, patients may receive:
- Up to 2 appointment-related texts per appointment
- Occasional health tips (no more than once per week)
- Updates related to clinic closures or events as needed
6. Opt-Out Process
Patients have the right to stop receiving text messages at any time. To opt out:
- Patients can reply “STOP” to any text message.
- Patients can call or visit the clinic to request removal from the text messaging list.
Once opted out, the clinic will not send any further texts unless the patient opts back in.
7. Data Security
All text communications will be conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging platform to protect patient privacy. The clinic will retain text message logs for administrative purposes, but no health information will be shared via text.
8. Updates to the Policy
The Art of Healing Chiropractic Clinic reserves the right to modify this texting policy as necessary to ensure compliance with regulations and patient needs. Patients will be notified of any changes.
9. Accountability
All clinic staff involved in sending patient text messages will be trained to follow this policy. Any violation of this policy may result in corrective action or disciplinary measures, including termination.
Contact Us
For any questions about the texting policy or to opt in/out of text communications, please contact The Art of Healing Chiropractic Clinic at:
Phone: 713-730-4527
Email: contact@aohchiro.com