Who we are
Our website address is: http://ascendhealthcenter.com.
This notice describes how medical, website, and SMS information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Summary
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and for other purposes permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your PHI. PHI includes information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition and related healthcare services.
We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. We may change the terms of our notice at any time. A new notice will be available to you at our office or on request and will be effective for PHI that we maintain from that time forward.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI
Uses and Disclosures of PHI Based Upon Your Written Consent
You will be asked by your clinician to sign a Consent form. Once you have signed the form, your PHI may be used and disclosed by your clinician, our office staff, and others outside our office involved in your care and treatment. This includes activities to support the operation of the clinician’s practice. Ascend Health Center’s policy is not to disclose your information without your written authorization, except as noted in this Privacy Notice.
Following are examples of the types of uses and disclosures of your PHI that we may make after you provide consent. These examples are not exhaustive but describe the types of uses and disclosures we may make with your consent.
- Treatment: We will use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services, including coordination with third parties you have authorized.
- Payment: Your PHI will be used as needed to obtain payment for your healthcare services, including actions by your health insurance plan.
- Healthcare Operations: We may use or disclose your PHI to support internal healthcare operations. We may also contact you regarding treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services.
SMS Communication
We use SMS messaging to facilitate important communications with you, such as appointment reminders, treatment updates, and health care notifications. By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages for these purposes. You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time.
Purpose of SMS Communications
SMS communications may be used for the following purposes:
- Appointment reminders
- Treatment updates
- Health care notifications
- Billing information
We will not use SMS for marketing without your separate, explicit consent.
Opt-Out and Control
To stop receiving SMS messages, reply with “STOP” to any SMS message from us, or contact us directly at (330) 754-4844 or by email at [email protected]. After opting out, you may still receive communications through other methods, such as email or phone, based on your preferences.
Data Collection and Use for SMS
When we send SMS messages, we collect and store certain information, such as your phone number, message content, timestamp, and message status. This information helps us monitor and manage SMS communications. We will only collect and retain SMS-related data necessary to provide and manage SMS communications effectively.
Data Sharing and Security for SMS
We may use third-party providers, like RingCentral, to facilitate SMS communications. These providers have their own privacy and security policies that align with industry standards. We require these providers to handle your information in compliance with this Privacy Policy and only use it for delivering SMS communications.
Retention and Deletion of SMS Data
We retain SMS communication records as long as necessary for treatment, operations, or compliance, in line with our data retention policy. If you wish to review, amend, or delete SMS-related information, please contact us.
Regulatory Compliance
Our SMS communications are conducted in compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and other applicable regulations to protect your privacy and ensure lawful communication.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI Based Upon Your Written Authorization
Other uses and disclosures of your PHI will only be made with your written Authorization, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time.
Other Permitted and Required Uses and Disclosures of PHI
We may use and disclose your PHI in certain situations without your Consent or Authorization, including the following:
- Required by Law
- Public Health Activities
- Health Oversight
…and other instances as described in our policy.
Your Rights
You have several rights regarding your PHI:
- The right to inspect and copy your PHI
- The right to request a restriction of your PHI
- The right to request confidential communications
- The right to amend your PHI
…and more as described in this policy.
To exercise these rights, please contact our office at (330) 754-4844.
Website Information
We collect information through ascendhealthcenter.com, including personal information submitted by you. This is used to provide our full range of services. Please refer to our website privacy terms for further information.
Contacting Us About This Privacy Policy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Ascend Health Center
1000 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Suite 01
Fairlawn, OH 44333
Phone: (330) 754-4844
Email: [email protected]
Changes to Our Privacy Policy
This privacy policy may be updated periodically, so you may wish to check it each time you submit personal information. The date of the most recent revision appears on this page.
Effective Date
This policy is effective as of November 1, 2024.