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Effective Date: 2/12/2026

Business Name: Dr. Joerg Schuller General Practice

Legal Entity: Joerg Schuller MD Professional Corporation

Address: 3181 Collins Dr, Ste B, Merced, CA 95348

Phone: (209) 580-5767

SMS consent is not shared with third parties

Dr. Joerg Schuller General Practice (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a healthcare provider committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information and protected health information (PHI) in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

A. Personal Identifiers

  • Name

  • Address

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Date of birth

B. Health & Clinical Information

  • Medical history

  • Treatment records

  • Appointment details

  • Medication information

  • Insurance information

  • Billing records

This information may constitute Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA.

C. Communication & Consent Information

  • SMS opt-in consent records

  • Communication preferences

  • Website form submissions

  • Patient portal activity

2. How We Use Personal Information

We use collected information for legitimate healthcare and operational purposes, including:

  • Providing medical care and treatment

  • Scheduling and confirming appointments

  • Care coordination and follow-up

  • Processing billing and membership payments

  • Responding to patient inquiries

  • Sending account-related notifications

  • Conducting quality improvement and patient satisfaction surveys

  • Sending marketing communications only to individuals who have provided prior express written consent

We do not condition medical treatment on consent to receive marketing communications.

3. HIPAA Compliance & Safeguards

As a healthcare provider, we maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards consistent with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, including:

  • Secure electronic medical record systems

  • Access controls and role-based permissions

  • Encrypted communications where applicable

  • Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with vendors handling PHI

PHI is disclosed only as permitted by HIPAA for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or as otherwise authorized by the patient or required by law.

4. SMS Communications & A2P Compliance

If you provide your mobile number and opt in, you may receive SMS communications from Dr. Joerg Schuller General Practice for:

  • Appointment reminders

  • Account notifications

  • Customer care responses

  • Patient satisfaction surveys

  • Marketing messages (only with prior express written consent)

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.

You may request assistance by replying HELP or calling (209) 580-5767.

We limit the inclusion of Protected Health Information in SMS messages and may direct patients to secure portals or phone communication for sensitive matters.

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, lease, or trade personal information.

We may share information only:

  • With HIPAA-compliant service providers who perform functions on our behalf (e.g., EMR systems, billing services, VoIP/SMS providers)

  • As required by law, court order, or regulatory authority

  • To prevent fraud, abuse, or threats to safety

  • As otherwise permitted under HIPAA

All vendors with access to PHI are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and execute Business Associate Agreements where applicable.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect personal information and PHI against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

While no system is completely secure, we continuously evaluate and improve our safeguards consistent with industry and healthcare standards.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access or request copies of your medical records

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Withdraw consent for marketing communications

  • Opt out of SMS at any time by replying STOP

Opting out of marketing communications does not affect your ability to receive medical care.

8. Accessibility & Notice