Our Policies
01
Texting Privacy Policy and
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy for SMS
Effective Date: 08/01/2025
At Heart of the Valley Pediatrics, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the personal information you provide when you visit our website, contact our office, or receive services from us, including through text messages.
1. What Information We Collect​
We may collect:
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Contact information (e.g., name, phone number, email address)
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Demographic information (e.g., child’s name, age, insurance provider)
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Communication preferences
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Health information shared for scheduling, reminders, or treatment
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
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Schedule and confirm appointments
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Send text messages about health reminders, office updates, and other practice-related matters
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Respond to your questions or concerns
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Improve our services and communication
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3. Text Messaging
If you opt in, we may send you SMS text messages for appointment reminders, follow-ups, and office updates.
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Message and data rates may apply.
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You can opt out anytime by replying STOP. For help, reply HELP or contact our office.
4. How We Protect Your Information
We follow strict protocols to protect your information in accordance with HIPAA and industry standards. Your data is stored securely and only shared with authorized staff or partners involved in your child’s care.
5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share necessary information with:
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Health insurance providers
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Labs, pharmacies, or other medical providers for coordinated care
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Technology partners who support secure communications
6. Your Rights
You can:
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Access and update your information
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Withdraw consent for text messages or other communications
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Request deletion of certain data (in accordance with medical record retention laws)
7. Questions?
Contact us at:
Heart of the Valley Pediatrics
(256) 242- 6443​
Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 08/01/2025
By using our services, website, or signing up for text messages from Heart of the Valley Pediatrics, you agree to the following terms.
1. Text Messaging Consent
When you provide your mobile number and consent, you agree to receive text messages from Heart of the Valley Pediatrics for:
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Appointment reminders
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Scheduling confirmations or updates
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Office news and closures
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Relevant patient care information
2. Opt-Out
You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP. To get help or support, reply HELP or contact our office.
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3. Message Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Heart of the Valley Pediatrics is not responsible for any charges incurred.
4. Message Frequency
The number of messages you receive may vary depending on your appointment schedule and interaction with our office. Typical frequency may include:
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1–3 reminders per appointment
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Occasional practice updates
5. No Medical Advice by Text
Text messages from our office are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please call us directly or seek emergency care for urgent medical issues.​
6. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of our services or messaging indicates your acceptance of any updated terms.
02
No-Show Policy
Effective February 1, 2026
At Heart of the Valley Pediatrics, missed appointments limit our ability to care for all our patients. Please help us serve your family and others by keeping scheduled appointments or giving at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel.
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No-Show Guidelines
A no-show includes missing an appointment or canceling with less than 24 hours’ notice.
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Two or More No-Shows: Appointment times may be limited to the end of the morning or end of the day.
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Chronic No-Shows: Families with repeated no-shows may be scheduled in shared appointment slots (double-booked).
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Practice Dismissal: The practice reserves the right to dismiss patients who fail to keep scheduled appointments.
Keep Your Contact Information Updated
Parents and guardians must notify our office of any changes to address or phone number. Failure to update contact information may result in missed reminders—and the appointment will still count as a no-show.
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Transportation Resources
If transportation is a challenge, public transit through Kid One Transport and NARCOG may be available. Book a free or discounted ride through one of these services 24 hours in advance.
https://www.kidone.org/
https://www.narcog.org/serving-communities/transit
Thank you for helping us provide timely care to every child in our practice.
03
Wellness Visit Coverage Policy
What happens if my child is sick at a well-visit?
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If you are here for your annual or wellness visit and choose to discuss certain non-routine concerns, your visit may be coded to reflect this, which could result in a copayment. This follows insurance guidelines for annual wellness visit services.​Examples of non-routine concerns include pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight changes, and other medical issues outside of preventive care.​Please know it is absolutely okay to bring up these concerns during your wellness visit, as it may save you from needing to schedule a separate appointment. We simply want you to be aware that addressing additional concerns may lead to a copay, depending on your insurance coverage.