HIPAA and SMS Messaging Privacy Policy
At LeGault Chiropractic, we take patient privacy seriously. We are committed to protecting confidential information and following applicable HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule requirements when communicating with patients.
Our Approach to Text Messaging
Text messaging is intended primarily for basic administrative communications, such as:
- >Appointment reminders
- >Appointment confirmations
- >Scheduling or rescheduling
- >Office closures or delays
- >Limited customer service communications
Important Texting Notice
Standard SMS/text messaging is not fully secure and may not include the protections available in a HIPAA-compliant secure messaging platform, such as encryption, audit controls, and access protections. For that reason, LeGault Chiropractic does not use standard SMS to collect, request, or discuss detailed Protected Health Information (PHI) unless otherwise permitted by law and supported by appropriate safeguards and patient direction.
Consent and Patient Choice
If a patient asks us to communicate through an unsecure method, such as regular text messaging, we may do so when appropriate after the patient has been informed of the potential privacy risks. When needed, we document the patient’s preference and limit the information shared.
Minimum Necessary Standard
When text communication is used, we seek to limit the content to the minimum necessary information appropriate for the communication. In practice, that means using text for simple logistics and avoiding unnecessary medical detail in standard SMS.
What Patients Should Not Send by Text
Please do not send the following through standard text/SMS:
- >Detailed symptoms or medical history
- >Test results
- >Diagnosis or treatment details
- >Mental health information
- >Photographs related to care
- >Insurance or billing documents containing sensitive identifiers
- >Full patient records or other confidential health information
If you need to discuss medical concerns or private health matters, please call our office directly.
Secure Messaging
When a communication requires stronger privacy protections, a secure, HIPAA-appropriate communication method should be used instead of standard SMS whenever feasible. Standard texting should not be the default method for transmitting detailed clinical information.
Patient Education and Risk Awareness
Patients should understand that standard text messaging may carry risks, including:
- >Messages being viewed by others with access to the phone
- >Loss or theft of the device
- >Message previews on lock screens
- >Transmission over insecure networks
- >Storage outside a secure patient portal or encrypted platform
Documentation
When applicable, we may document:
- >Patient consent or communication preferences
- >Acknowledgement of texting risks
- >Internal safeguards used for text communication
- >Any relevant privacy or security assessments related to electronic communications
Permissible and Non-Permissible Uses of Standard SMS
Generally Permissible Uses
- >Appointment reminders
- >Schedule changes
- >Office logistics
- >A limited response to a patient who initiated the conversation and accepted the communication risk
Generally Non-Permissible or Discouraged Uses
- >Detailed clinical findings
- >Diagnostic imaging or lab results by plain text
- >Mental or behavioral health notes
- >Treatment plans containing sensitive detail
- >Full patient records
- >Unnecessary PHI beyond what is needed for the communication
SMS Opt-In
By providing your mobile number and opting in, you agree to receive text messages from LeGault Chiropractic for appointment reminders, scheduling, office updates, and related customer service communications. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
Contact Us
LeGault Chiropractic
120 Three Degree Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15237
Phone: 412-364-4100