Privacy Policy

Use and Protection of Health Information

Element Wellness & Sports Rehabilitation creates and maintains health records that may include but are not limited to an individual’s health history, symptoms, examinations, test results, diagnoses, treatments, referrals, billing information, demographic data, and plans for future care.

This information is used to:

• Plan, coordinate, and provide care and treatment

• Facilitate communication among healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care

• Support billing, payment, and insurance claims

• Allow third-party payers to verify that billed services were provided

• Support routine healthcare operations, including quality assessment and professional review

All health information is protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). We may disclose your health information to other healthcare providers for purposes of coordinating your care, and to insurance companies or third-party payers to process claims and obtain payment. All disclosures are made in compliance with HIPAA and are limited to the minimum information necessary.

Patient Rights and Restrictions

Patients have the right to request restrictions on how their Protected Health Information (“PHI”) is used or disclosed for treatment or healthcare operations. Element Wellness & Sports Rehabilitation is not required to agree to requested restrictions. All authorizations and consents remain valid unless they are revoked by the patient through written notice to our office.

Communication Authorization

Element Wellness & Sports Rehabilitation, including its physicians, employees, contractors, and agents, may communicate with patients regarding their healthcare using the contact information and communication methods provided by the patient. These communications may include, but are not limited to, appointment reminders, scheduling information, diagnostic results, treatment instructions, care coordination, billing matters, and other information related to patient care.

Authorized communication methods may include:

• Telephone calls

• Voicemail messages (including detailed messages)

• Text messages (SMS or iMessage)

• Email

• Patient portals or other electronic messaging systems

Risks of Electronic and Telephonic Communication

Patients acknowledge that certain communication methods—such as voicemail, text messaging, and email—may not be secure and may be subject to unauthorized access, interception, or disclosure. Element Wellness & Sports Rehabilitation cannot guarantee the confidentiality of PHI transmitted through these methods. Patients further acknowledge that communications may be accessed by individuals other than the patient who have access to their phone, voicemail, email, or electronic devices and accept the associated risks.

Text Messaging (SMS)

Text messaging (including SMS and iMessage) may be used to communicate appointment reminders, scheduling information, follow-up instructions, billing notifications, and other non-urgent healthcare-related information. By providing a mobile phone number and consenting to receiving text messages, patients acknowledge and accept the risks associated with text communication.

Patients may opt out of text messages at any time by notifying the office in writing or by replying “STOP” to a message. No mobile opt-in or text message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates. Message and data rates may apply, and messaging frequency may vary.

Voicemail Messages

Element Wellness & Sports Rehabilitation may leave voicemail messages at the telephone number(s) provided by the patient to communicate important information related to care, including appointment reminders, test results, follow-up instructions, and billing matters. These messages may include detailed or personal information. Patients acknowledge that voicemail systems may not be secure and that messages could be accessed by others. Patients may request limited or no voicemail messages at any time by notifying the office in writing.

Emergencies

Electronic and telephonic communications are not intended for urgent or emergency medical matters. In the event of a medical emergency, patients should call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Revocation of Authorization

Patients may revoke or modify this authorization, in whole or in part, at any time by providing written notice. Revocation will not affect actions or communications already made in reliance on the authorization. Unless otherwise revoked, this authorization remains in effect. For assistance visit elementwellnesspdx.com or contact our office at 503-212-6128.