Introduction
This privacy policy describes how Anna Health, in association with Privia Medical Group (“Privia”), may collect, use, and share medical and personal information about you. This policy applies to all the products and services offered by Annandale OBGYN and Privia.
Information Collection and Use
We collect personal and medical information about you through various sources, including:
- Information you provide to us during appointments
- Medical records from other healthcare providers
- Insurance and payment information
- Information collected through our website and patient portal
- SMS communications (with your consent)
We use this information to provide you with medical care, bill for our services, and improve our healthcare operations.
HIPAA Compliance
As healthcare providers, we are required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PHI. We are committed to complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Privia HIPAA Privacy Notice
Sharing of Information
We may share your information with:
- Other healthcare providers involved in your care
- Your insurance company for billing purposes
- Public health agencies as required by law
- Other entities as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices
We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
SMS Communications Addendum
In addition to our standard privacy practices, this section specifically addresses our use of SMS communications for patient appointments and healthcare operations.
SMS Consent and Usage
By opting in to receive SMS messages from Anna Health, you agree to the following terms:
- We will use SMS to send appointment reminders and updates related to healthcare operations.
- Your phone number and consent for SMS will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
- Message frequency may vary based on your appointments and care needs.
- Standard message and data rates may apply as per your mobile carrier’s terms.
SMS Data Protection and HIPAA Compliance
To ensure HIPAA compliance in our SMS communications:
- We use a HIPAA-compliant messaging platform with end-to-end encryption.
- Our staff is trained on safe texting policies and the proper handling of protected health information (PHI).
- We limit the sharing of sensitive information in SMS messages to minimize risk.
- We maintain audit trails and access controls for all SMS communications containing PHI.
SMS Opt-In Process
We obtain your explicit consent to receive SMS messages through our “Preferred Contacts” form, available here, which includes:
- Options to select your preferred method of communication, including cell phone.
- Options to specify whether it’s okay to leave detailed information or a call-back number only on your cell phone.
- Information on adding preferred contacts to your account.
- Acknowledgment that HIPAA permits your provider to share information with other persons not named on the form as needed for your care or treatment or to obtain payment for services provided.
SMS Opt-Out Instructions
You can opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying “STOP” to any of our messages. Upon opting out, you will receive the following confirmation:
“Thank you for opting out of SMS messages from Annandale OBGYN. You will receive no further SMS communication. To opt back in for Annandale OBGYN at any time, reply START.”
SMS Help and Support
For assistance with our SMS service, reply “HELP” to any of our messages, and you will receive the following response:
“Thank you for contacting Anna Health. We will be in touch with you soon to help. For immediate assistance, please contact us at 7036427522.”
Your Rights
You have certain rights regarding your medical information, including the right to:
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information
- Receive confidential communications of your medical information
- Inspect and copy your medical records
- Request amendments to your medical information
- Receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your medical information
- Opt-out of SMS communications at any time
Security Measures
We implement various security measures to protect your personal and medical information, including:
- Encryption of electronic medical records
- Secure messaging systems for communication with patients
- Regular staff training on privacy and security practices
- Physical safeguards for our facilities and equipment
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our practices, please contact:
Anna Health
4208 Evergreen Ln #213, Annandale, VA 22003
+1 (703) 642-7522
annaobgyn@annandaleobgyn.com
By receiving care from Anna Health and using our services, including SMS communications, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this privacy policy.
Last updated: February 2025
