Our Pledge Regarding Health Information

We are committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) as defined under HIPAA. PHI is information that identifies or can reasonably identify an individual and relates to their past, present, or future health condition, healthcare received, or payment for healthcare. We will safeguard the privacy of health information we create or receive as required by law, only use or disclose it as described in this Notice, and provide notice of any breach of unsecured health information.

Who Follows This Notice

This Notice applies to all facilities, providers, and workforce members of Prolato Clinical Research Center — including healthcare professionals authorized to enter information into your medical record, all departments and units, all employees, staff, volunteers, and all clinical research sites, clinics, and administrative offices.

Use & Disclosure for Treatment

We may use your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare treatment and related services, including communication with other healthcare providers. For example, different departments may access your information to coordinate lab work, prescriptions, and diagnostic testing. We may also share information with providers involved in your care after you leave our facility.

Use & Disclosure for Payment

We may use and disclose your health information to bill and collect payment for treatment and services. This includes sharing information with your health plan(s) for prior approval or coverage determination, and with billing departments, insurance companies, and consumer reporting agencies for collection purposes.

Use & Disclosure for Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your health information for healthcare operations such as quality improvement, provider performance evaluation, training programs, cooperating with accrediting and licensing organizations, assisting compliance reviewers, and general business administration.

How We Contact You

We may use health information to contact you regarding appointments, clinical instructions, surveys, or general communications via mail, telephone, email, or text message when you provide your contact information.

De-Identified Information & Limited Data Sets

We may use your health information to create de-identified data stripped of personal identifiers in accordance with HIPAA. We may also create limited data sets — health information with certain identifiers removed — which may only be used for research, public health, or healthcare operations purposes under a data use agreement.

Treatment Alternatives

We may use and disclose your health information to inform you of treatment alternatives and health-related benefits that may interest you, including clinical trials, counseling services, and other relevant care options.

Breach Notification

In the event of a breach of unsecured protected health information, Prolato Clinical Research Center will provide notice to affected individuals as required by HIPAA and applicable state law.

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SMS Communications & Consent

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Prolato Clinical Research Center, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy and our SMS Terms and Conditions. We collect your phone number and any information necessary to communicate with you via text. This information is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, simply do not check the SMS consent box on our forms.

Types of SMS Communications

If you have opted in, you may receive messages regarding appointment reminders, follow-up messages, and billing inquiries.

Message Frequency & Fees

You may receive up to 5 SMS messages per week. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your carrier's pricing plan, and fees may vary for domestic and international messages.

Opt-In & Opt-Out

You may opt in verbally during a conversation with a representative, or by initiating an SMS to 832-338-9118. To opt out at any time, reply STOP to any message or contact us directly at 832-338-9118.

Help & Support

For assistance with SMS communications, reply HELP to any message. You may also call 832-338-9118 or visit prolato.org. For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your health information is handled, please contact us using the information above.