Effective Date: 1/5/2026
Sorenson Foot and Ankle (“we,” “our,” or “the Practice”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal and medical information. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded when you interact with our website, electronic communications, and messaging services, including Ooma, in connection with your healthcare.
This policy applies to information collected through:
- Our website
- Secure voice and messaging services (including Ooma)
- SMS/text messaging
- Email communications
- Online forms, appointment requests, and administrative communications
Protected Health Information (PHI)
We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), applicable Texas privacy laws, and other federal regulations governing medical information.
Protected Health Information (PHI) is used and disclosed only as permitted by law, including for:
- Treatment
- Payment
- Healthcare operations
- Patient communication and care coordination
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
This Privacy Policy is intended to describe our general privacy and communication practices and does not replace our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) as required under HIPAA.
Our Notice of Privacy Practices provides detailed information regarding how Protected Health Information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, as well as your rights under HIPAA.
A copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices is available:
- At our office upon request
- On our website, if posted
In the event of any conflict between this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices, the Notice of Privacy Practices shall govern.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Appointment-related and administrative details
Medical Information
- Information voluntarily provided related to your care
- Information necessary to coordinate treatment, follow-up, or services
Technical Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Website usage data used solely for security, functionality, and performance
Use of Messaging and SMS Communications (Ooma)
By providing your phone number or electronic contact information, you expressly consent to receive non-marketing, healthcare-related communications from Sorenson Foot and Ankle via Ooma, SMS/text messaging, email, or phone calls.
These communications may include:
- Appointment reminders
- Scheduling or rescheduling notices
- Follow-up instructions
- Care coordination
- Administrative or operational notifications
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier.
Important Messaging Disclosures
- Messaging is not intended for emergencies
- Messages may not be monitored continuously
- Do not use SMS or electronic messaging to communicate urgent or emergent medical concerns
Opt-Out and Help
- Reply STOP to opt out of SMS messages at any time
- Reply HELP or contact our office for assistance
Opting out of messaging may limit our ability to provide timely care-related communications.
Children and Minors (Age Restriction)
Our website and messaging services are not directed toward individuals under 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly send SMS or electronic messages directly to minors. For pediatric patients, communications are directed to a parent or legal guardian who has provided appropriate consent, unless otherwise permitted by law.
All pediatric patient information is handled in accordance with HIPAA, Texas law, and applicable consent requirements.
How We Protect Your Information
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, including:
- Healthcare-appropriate communication platforms
- Encryption where applicable
- Access controls and role-based permission
- Audit logging and monitoring
Access to patient information is limited to authorized personnel and only to the extent necessary to perform job duties.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell or rent personal information.
Information may be disclosed only as permitted or required by law, including:
- To healthcare providers involved in your care
- To business associates supporting our operations (including communication vendors such as Ooma), under appropriate contractual and privacy safeguards
- To comply with legal, regulatory, or law-enforcement requests
Third-Party Services
Our website and communications may rely on third-party services to support operations such as messaging, scheduling, or administration. These vendors are required to maintain reasonable privacy and security standards and, where applicable, HIPAA-compliant safeguards.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use limited cookies or analytics tools to improve functionality, security, and performance. These tools do not collect medical information and are not used for advertising or marketing tracking.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to your medical records
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request restrictions on certain communications
- Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy
Requests may be submitted by contacting our office directly.
Future Communications and Updates
We may establish additional communication-specific terms or disclosures, including messaging-related notices, as required by law, regulatory guidance, or service providers. Any such updates will be made available on our website.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Sorenson Foot and Ankle
31332 Nichols Sawmill Road, Unit B
Magnolia, TX 77355
Phone: 936-233-8886
Email: Admin@sorensonfootandankle.com