SMS Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 1, 2026
Last Updated: June 1, 2026

Midwest Psychiatric Associates LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information and Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws. This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information related to our text messaging (SMS/MMS) services.

1. What Personal Information Is Collected

When you opt in to receive text messages from us, we may collect the following information:

  • Your mobile phone number
  • Your name (if provided)
  • Any information you voluntarily provide in responses to our messages
  • Message delivery and interaction data (such as timestamps, delivery status, and opt-out requests)
  • Limited health-related information necessary to provide the services you have requested (e.g., appointment details), which may constitute Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA

We collect this information directly from you when you provide your phone number via web forms, patient intake forms, verbal consent, keyword opt-in, or other authorized methods.

2. How Personal Information Is Used

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

  • To send you the text messages you have consented to receive, including appointment reminders, scheduling updates, billing notices, care coordination messages, medication reminders, health-related information, and (where separately consented) promotional or marketing messages
  • To respond to your inquiries or support requests
  • To confirm, manage, and document your SMS consent and preferences
  • To improve the delivery and effectiveness of our messaging services
  • To comply with legal, regulatory, and HIPAA obligations

We limit the use of PHI in text messages to the minimum necessary for the intended purpose, consistent with HIPAA requirements.

3. Who Personal Information Is Shared With

We do not sell your personal information or mobile phone number. SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates. Your SMS opt-in data and consent will never be shared with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • With trusted service providers (such as SMS delivery platforms) who assist us in providing messaging services, under appropriate agreements (including Business Associate Agreements where PHI is involved)
  • As required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of our organization, patients, or others
  • In connection with a business transfer (such as a merger or sale), subject to confidentiality protections

Any third parties who receive PHI act as Business Associates under HIPAA and are required to safeguard the information.

Additional HIPAA-Related Disclosures

  • Security of Text Messages: Standard SMS/text messaging is not fully encrypted end-to-end. There is a risk that messages could be intercepted or viewed by unauthorized persons. By opting in, you acknowledge this risk and still prefer to receive communications via text.
  • Your Rights: You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP. You may request help by replying HELP. You also have rights under HIPAA regarding access to, amendment of, and restrictions on your PHI, as described in our full Notice of Privacy Practices.
  • Data Retention: We retain SMS-related information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described above or as required by law and our record retention policies.
  • Consent Not Required for Care: Providing SMS consent is voluntary and is not a condition of receiving treatment, payment, or any services from us.

Accessibility of This PolicyThis SMS Privacy Policy is easily accessible and is prominently linked near SMS consent language on our web forms and patient intake materials.

As a best practice, a link to this Privacy Policy (and our full Notice of Privacy Practices) also appears in the footer of every page on our website.

For questions about this policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:
Midwest Psychiatric Associates LLC
417-262-6609
2200 E Sunshine St, Suite 214, Springfield, MO 65804

This policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.