SFV Health Center, Inc. dba Elevate Health Center (“Elevate,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)
1. Introduction
Elevate Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL) nonprofit community clinic in California. We use automated SMS/text messaging to communicate with patients about appointments, care reminders, outreach programs, and other health-center-related services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you receive text messages from us.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following information when you opt in or receive SMS messages from us:
- Phone number you provide to the clinic.
- Message content, including responses you send.
- Device and carrier information (as provided by your carrier).
- Clinical or health-related information only if it is included in the message content or is necessary to deliver permitted health-care communications.
We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing or commercial purposes.
3. How We Use Your Information
SMS/text information may be used for:
- Appointment reminders
- Care coordination, care management, or follow-up
- Wellness and preventive-care reminders
- Prescription or refill notifications
- Program eligibility, outreach, or health education
- Communication related to treatment, payment, or health care operations (“TPO”) permitted under HIPAA
- Emergency notifications or clinic closures
We will never use SMS to send your Social Security number, financial information, or highly sensitive diagnostic details.
4. Legal Basis for Messaging
As a health care provider, Elevate may send you certain messages without prior written consent when they relate to:
- Treatment
- Payment
- Health-care operations
- Public health outreach
- Appointment reminders (per FCC Healthcare Exemption)
For other types of messages, we will request your express consent (“opt-in”) before sending automated texts.
5. Your Choices & Opt-Out Rights
You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP”.
You may also request removal by contacting:
(818) 504-4516 or info@elevatehealthcenter.org.
Opting out of SMS messages does not affect your ability to receive care.
6. Data Security
- We use HIPAA-compliant vendors whenever we send messages containing protected health information (PHI).
- Messages may not be encrypted by your carrier, and standard SMS risks apply.
- We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information.
7. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose SMS-related information:
- To HIPAA-compliant business associates
- To your health plan, if needed for coordination or reporting
- When required by law (e.g., public health reporting, court order)
We do not sell or disclose patient information for advertising.
8. Children’s Privacy
We may text parents/guardians regarding minors’ care as permitted under California and federal law. We do not knowingly text minors directly without appropriate consent.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date.
10. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:
Elevate Health Center
8426 Sunland Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
info@elevatehealthcenter.org | (818) 504-4516