1. Introduction
Munson Medical Center ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal and health-related information entrusted to us.
As a healthcare provider subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we maintain appropriate privacy and security practices for information collected, received, maintained, or transmitted through our healthcare operations and digital platforms.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, maintain, and disclose personal information when individuals visit our website at https://www.munsonmedical.com/, submit inquiries, request healthcare-related information, communicate with our organization, or use our website's contact and communication services.
2. Information Collected Through Our Website
Munson Medical Center collects information that individuals voluntarily provide when interacting with our website and healthcare services.
This may include:
- Full name and contact information.
- Email address and telephone number.
- General and medical inquiries.
- Appointment requests and scheduling information.
- Communication preferences.
- Other information voluntarily submitted through our website forms.
When individuals submit medical inquiries or other identifiable health-related information, such information may constitute Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA and will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements.
We may also automatically collect limited technical information, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, website activity, and access times to maintain website functionality, improve performance, and support security.
3. How We Use Collected Information
Information collected through our website may be used for legitimate healthcare, administrative, operational, and communication purposes, including:
- Responding to general and medical inquiries.
- Providing information about our healthcare services.
- Facilitating appointment scheduling and confirmations.
- Sending appointment reminders and updates.
- Responding to patient questions and service requests.
- Coordinating relevant patient communications.
- Maintaining communication and administrative records.
- Improving website functionality and user experience.
- Maintaining information security and preventing unauthorized access.
- Meeting applicable legal and regulatory obligations.
Protected Health Information will only be used or disclosed as permitted or required by HIPAA and other applicable laws.
4. Patient Communications and SMS Messaging
Munson Medical Center may communicate with individuals through telephone calls, email, and SMS text messages, depending on the communication preferences and services requested.
Individuals who voluntarily provide their mobile telephone numbers and expressly consent to SMS communications may receive messages relating to:
- Responses to medical and general inquiries.
- Appointment scheduling and confirmations.
- Appointment reminders.
- Appointment changes and updates.
- Relevant patient service notifications.
- Other informational communications covered by their consent.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
SMS consent is voluntary and is not a condition of receiving medical care or healthcare services.
We take appropriate measures to protect personal information used in our communication services and limit access to authorized personnel and service providers who require such information to perform their assigned functions.
We also take appropriate precautions to avoid including sensitive medical information in ordinary SMS messages.
5. How to Opt In
Patients and website visitors may choose to receive SMS/text messages from Munson Medical Center by voluntarily providing their mobile phone number and selecting the SMS consent checkbox on an applicable website form, or by otherwise expressly agreeing to receive text messages.
Consent to receive SMS messages is optional and is not a condition of receiving medical care, scheduling an appointment, or purchasing services.
By opting in, individuals agree to receive relevant text messages from Munson Medical Center, which may include:
- Appointment confirmations and reminders.
- Appointment scheduling and update notifications.
- Patient service notifications.
- Responses to inquiries and other communications related to requested services.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply, depending on the individual's mobile carrier and plan.
6. How to Opt Out
Individuals may stop receiving SMS/text messages at any time by replying:
- STOP – to unsubscribe from SMS messages.
- CANCEL – to cancel SMS messages.
- UNSUBSCRIBE – to stop receiving SMS messages.
- END – to end SMS communications.
- QUIT – to discontinue SMS messages.
After an opt-out request is received, the individual should receive a confirmation message indicating that they have been unsubscribed. No further SMS messages will be sent unless the individual subsequently provides new consent.
Opting out of SMS messages does not affect the individual's ability to receive medical care or communicate with Munson Medical Center through other available channels.
Help and Assistance
For assistance with SMS communications, individuals may reply HELP to a message or contact Munson Medical Center through its Contact Us page.
SMS Consent and Information Sharing
SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing purposes. Mobile phone numbers and SMS consent information may be processed by service providers solely as necessary to deliver and administer the requested messaging services, subject to appropriate privacy and security safeguards.
Munson Medical Center does not use SMS messages to request sensitive personal or medical information. Individuals should avoid sending confidential medical information by text message.
7. Contact Form and Website Inquiries
Our website provides individuals with an opportunity to contact Munson Medical Center directly regarding general questions, medical inquiries, appointment requests, and other healthcare-related services.
Information submitted through our contact forms is used to respond to inquiries, coordinate appropriate follow-up communications, and provide requested assistance.
Where submitted information contains identifiable health information, it will be handled in accordance with applicable HIPAA requirements.
Individuals should use designated secure communication channels when submitting detailed medical records, sensitive health information, or other confidential documents.
For assistance, individuals may contact us through:
https://www.munsonmedical.com/contact
8. Information Sharing and Third-Party Service Providers
Munson Medical Center does not sell personal information or disclose SMS consent information to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.
We do not share, sell, rent, or disclose SMS opt-in data or mobile information to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Such information may only be shared with service providers when strictly necessary to support our website, communication systems, appointment scheduling, information technology, and administrative operations. These providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of the information.
9. Privacy and Security of Patient Information
Munson Medical Center maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and Protected Health Information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or loss.
These safeguards are intended to support the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information handled through our healthcare operations and digital platforms.
We regularly evaluate our information-handling practices and take appropriate measures to address identified security risks.
In the event of a reportable breach involving unsecured Protected Health Information, we will provide notifications in accordance with applicable HIPAA and other legal requirements.
10. Privacy Rights and Requests
Individuals may have certain rights concerning their personal information and Protected Health Information under applicable federal and state privacy laws.
Depending on the circumstances, these rights may include requesting access to information, requesting corrections, obtaining copies of medical records, requesting certain restrictions, and submitting privacy complaints.
Individuals may also withdraw their consent to receive optional SMS communications at any time by replying STOP.
To submit a privacy-related inquiry or request, please contact Munson Medical Center through our official website:
https://www.munsonmedical.com/contact
11. Contact Information
For questions concerning this Privacy Policy, website information collection, patient communications, or SMS messaging practices, individuals may contact Munson Medical Center through:
Official Website: https://www.munsonmedical.com/
Contact Page: https://www.munsonmedical.com/contact