1. Introduction
Birch Health ("we," "us," or "our") operates this website and is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit birchhealth.org or submit information through our contact forms.
By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.
2. Information We Collect
Information you provide directly: When you submit a contact form or early interest sign-up on our website, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and the content of your message.
Automatically collected information: When you visit our website, we may collect certain information automatically, including your browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and general geographic location via IP address.
We do not collect protected health information (PHI) through this website. Our website is for informational and inquiry purposes only.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your inquiries and contact form submissions
- Communicate information about our practice, services, and upcoming launch
- Improve our website and user experience
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
We will not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Mobile Messaging & SMS Consent
If you separately and affirmatively consent to receive text messages from Birch Health, we may use your mobile phone number to send the types of messages described at the time you opt in. These may include appointment and scheduling communications, enrollment follow-ups, practice updates, and other communications you request.
SMS consent is voluntary and is not a condition of purchasing services, receiving care, booking a call, submitting a website form, or becoming a patient. Providing a phone number for a call, contact request, or enrollment does not by itself constitute consent to receive text messages.
Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time. For assistance, reply HELP or contact us at (423) 251-1977 or benemery@birchhealth.org.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. This includes your mobile phone number, messaging consent, and text messaging originator opt-in data; these are excluded from all other data-sharing categories and will not be shared with any third parties.
Text messaging is not appropriate for emergencies or medical concerns that cannot safely wait. Text messages are not continuously monitored. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Additional program terms are available in our SMS Program Terms.
5. HIPAA Notice
Birch Health is a Direct Primary Care practice. Information submitted through this website (such as contact forms or early interest sign-ups) is not subject to HIPAA protections, as it is collected prior to a patient-provider relationship being established and does not constitute protected health information.
Once you become a patient of Birch Health, your medical records and health information will be handled in full compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices at the time of enrollment.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies & Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files placed on your device. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. If you do not accept cookies, some portions of our site may not function properly.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies independently.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Birch Health
Email: benemery@birchhealth.org
Phone: (423) 251-1977
Location: 247 Broad Street, Suite 302, Kingsport, Tennessee