Privacy Policy

Schreckengost Integrative Medicine Privacy Policy and SMS Terms
 

Effective Date: June 29, 2026
 

Schreckengost Integrative Medicine ("Practice," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information and protected health information. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded when individuals visit the website, communicate with the practice, submit forms, request appointments, receive services, or opt in to text messaging. This notice is designed to be posted prominently on the website and made available to any person who asks for it, consistent with HIPAA notice requirements for covered health care providers.
 

By using the website or engaging with the practice's services, individuals agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If an individual does not agree with these terms, that individual should not use the website.
 

Information Collected
The practice may collect the following categories of information:
 

Personal identification information, such as name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and date of birth.
 

Health information provided through intake forms, appointment requests, patient communications, or other clinical interactions, including symptoms, medical history, treatment goals, and related care information.
 

Appointment and communication data, such as scheduling details, messages, inquiry submissions, and records of communications with the practice.
 

Payment and billing information, such as payment status, billing details, and transaction records; payment card information is processed through secure third-party processors rather than stored on the practice's servers.
 

Technical and website usage information, such as IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages, and analytics data.
 

SMS consent records and messaging preferences, including opt-in status, opt-out status, and message history related to text communications.
 

How Information Is Used
Information may be used for the following purposes:

To provide, coordinate, and support patient care and related services.
 

To schedule appointments, send reminders, and communicate about treatment, follow-up, and practice operations.
 

To process payments, maintain billing records, and provide receipts or related financial communications.
 

To respond to inquiries submitted through the website, phone, email, or other communication channels.
 

To improve website functionality, practice operations, patient experience, and service delivery.
 

To maintain security, prevent fraud, protect systems, and comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.

To send newsletters, educational content, event invitations, or marketing communications where consent is required and has been provided.
 

To send SMS messages related to appointments, care coordination, service updates, and other communications consistent with the individual's consent.
 

How Information Is Shared
Information is shared only as needed for legitimate business, clinical, operational, or legal purposes. The practice may share information with:
 

Health care service providers and clinical partners involved in patient care, when appropriate.
 

Payment processors, billing providers, and financial institutions for transaction processing.
 

Technology vendors and service providers that support scheduling, secure communications, electronic records, hosting, analytics, or IT security.
 

Legal, regulatory, or governmental authorities when required by law or as necessary to protect rights, safety, or security.
 

Personal information is not sold, rented, or traded. SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates. Personal information and mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
 

HIPAA Privacy Practices
Where applicable, the practice handles protected health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws. HIPAA requires covered health care providers to give individuals a plain-language notice describing how protected health information may be used and disclosed, the individual's rights regarding that information, the provider's legal duties, who to contact for more information, and the notice's effective date.
 

Individuals may have rights, subject to applicable law, to request access to their information, request corrections, request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures, request confidential communications, and file a complaint regarding privacy practices. HIPAA also requires a covered provider to make its notice available to anyone who asks, to post it prominently on a website that describes customer services or benefits, and to revise the notice when material privacy practices change.
 

Payment Security
Payments made through the website or related platforms are processed by trusted third-party processors that use industry-standard safeguards, including PCI-compliant controls for payment data handling. Full payment card details are not stored on the practice's servers.
 

Alternative payment arrangements may be available by phone, mail, or in person when offered by the practice.
 

Cookies and Tracking
The website may use cookies and similar technologies to support core website functions, understand site traffic, improve user experience, and maintain security. Depending on website configuration, these technologies may include:
 

Essential cookies necessary for website operation.
 

Analytics cookies that help evaluate site usage and performance.
 

Optional marketing or engagement cookies where consent is required.

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Browser settings may allow cookies to be managed or disabled, although some website functions may be affected.
 

SMS Messaging Terms

By opting into SMS from a website form, intake form, appointment request, paper form, or other medium, the individual agrees to receive SMS messages from Schreckengost Integrative Medicine. These messages may include appointment reminders, scheduling communications, care coordination messages, follow-up communications, service-related notifications, and limited administrative updates.
 

Messaging frequency may vary.
 

Message and data rates may apply.
 

Reply STOP at any time to opt out of SMS messages.
 

Reply HELP for assistance or visit the practice website.
 

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates.
 

A link to this Privacy Policy should appear near SMS consent language on website forms, and as a best practice this policy should also be linked in the footer of each website page.
 

Data Retention

Information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill clinical, legal, regulatory, tax, billing, operational, and security obligations. Medical and billing records may be retained for the periods required by applicable law and professional standards.
 

Third-Party Links

The website may contain links to third-party websites, payment portals, educational resources, or partner platforms. The practice is not responsible for the privacy, security, or content practices of those third parties, and users should review the policies that apply to those services separately.
 

Children's Privacy

The website is not intended for children under 13 outside appropriate patient-care contexts involving a parent, guardian, or authorized representative. If information is believed to have been submitted by a child inappropriately, the practice should be contacted so the information can be reviewed and deleted as appropriate.
 

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in operations, technology, legal requirements, or privacy practices. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Material changes will be communicated in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
 

Contact Information

Questions about this Privacy Policy, privacy rights, or requests regarding personal information may be directed to:
 

Schreckengost Integrative Medicine
Email: info@schreckmed.com
Phone: 724-793-3557
 

Terms of Service for SMS

By consenting to SMS communications from Schreckengost Integrative Medicine, the individual agrees to receive text messages related to the practice's services. These messages may include appointment reminders, care-related communications, scheduling notices, service updates, and other operational messages permitted by the individual's consent.
 

Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out at any time. Text HELP for assistance or visit the practice website. Visit the website privacy policy page for privacy information and the website terms page for applicable terms.