Privacy Policy & SMS Terms | Florida Joint & Spine Institute

SMS TERMS & CONDITIONS

Website Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 01, 2026

Overview

This Website Privacy Policy explains how Florida Joint & Spine Institute (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects your information when you use our website and related online services (the “Website”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe online experience. This Privacy Policy applies to our Practice’s website and governs our data collection and usage practices. By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the notice provided in this Privacy Policy. Protected Health Information (PHI) that we handle as part of the treatment relationship is governed by the Practice’s separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and the applicable Florida medical privacy requirements; this Website Privacy Policy governs website and other online data only.

Data Collection

Depending on how you use the Website, we may collect:

Identifiers like your name, email, address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, or IP address.
Contact info, signature, insurance info, and other customer records.
Demographics (race, religion, age, sex, disability status) if you provide them.
Service or transaction info, like services requested.
Website activity info (browsing, search history, clicks).
Geolocation info if you allow it.
Audio/video recordings, like customer service calls or security footage (if applicable).
Professional or education info you submit through forms.
Profiles or inferences we create based on the information above.
Sensitive personal information which may include, among other categories, precise geolocation and information concerning your health, if submitted or collected in connection with services. Certain medical information may instead constitute Protected Health Information governed by HIPAA and the applicable Florida medical privacy requirements rather than ordinary website data subject to this Policy.
Mobile telephone numbers and SMS/text messaging opt-in information, which we collect for appointment reminders, scheduling, and related notification purposes if you voluntarily provide your mobile number and consent to receive SMS/text messages from us.

Embedded Content

Pages on this site may include embedded content, like YouTube videos, for example. Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if you visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Cookies

We, and the vendors we work with, may use tracking technologies (such as cookies, log files, and pixels) that automatically or passively collect certain information from visitors on the Site. This information may include IP addresses, device identifiers, language preferences, referring URLs, and browser and platform details.

Cookies are small data files stored on a computer’s hard drive that allow a website to recognize a visitor’s device, record visitor preferences, track the pages a user visits on a website, and identify the referral website. Our Site uses both session ID cookies and tracking cookies. Session ID cookies make it easier for you to navigate the Site and expire when you close your browser. Cookies help us understand how you use the Site and enhance your visitor experience. Most browsers automatically accept these cookies, but you usually can change your browser settings to remove or reject cookies. Please note that blocking cookies on our Site may prevent you from using some of the features of our Site. Also, disabling cookies may invalidate opt-outs that use cookies to recognize devices that have opted out.

Please note that we or other parties may collect personal information about your online activities over time and across different devices and online properties when you use the Site. As required by Florida law, our Site treats recognized browser-based opt-out preference signals, such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC), as valid requests to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information, consistent with the Global Privacy Control commitment described in Section 8. Legacy “Do Not Track” signals are not a recognized opt-out preference signal and may be handled separately; our Site may not respond to such legacy “Do Not Track” signals.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for purposes allowed by law and necessary to operate our Website and services, including:

Providing services or information you request.
Improving and maintaining our Website.
Preventing fraud, investigating security incidents, and protecting against illegal activity.
Ensuring safety for staff, patients, and visitors.
Responding to questions and communicating with you.
Following legal requirements and enforcing our policies.
Sending SMS/text messages for appointment reminders and notifications and other healthcare-related communications for which you have provided prior express consent. We do not use SMS/text messages to send marketing or promotional content without your separate prior express written consent.

We may also use the personal information we collect to facilitate and personalize your user experience, monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities of visitors, take certain action with regard to any suspected or actual fraudulent or illegal activity or activity that violates our policies, comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and legal processes, and for any other purpose compatible with the purposes described in this Policy or for which you have provided consent. We use, disclose, and safeguard health information consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state law.

How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

Service Providers that help us run the Website and perform services on our behalf. Service providers that create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information on our behalf are bound by HIPAA Business Associate Agreements, and all service providers and contractors are bound by written contracts that comply with the applicable Florida privacy law and that prohibit them from retaining, using, or disclosing your personal information for any purpose other than the specific services performed for us.
Third parties you approve, like linked social media platforms.
Professional advisors, insurers, banks, or auditors.
Affiliates of our organization for business purposes consistent with this Policy.

We may also share information if required by law or for public health, legal, or safety reasons, including emergencies, law enforcement, research, or specialized government functions.

SMS/Mobile Opt-In Information: We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile telephone number or SMS/text messaging opt-in information with third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile opt-in data will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

We may share mobile telephone numbers and SMS/text messaging opt-in information with service providers that assist us in delivering SMS/text messages on our behalf, but only as necessary to provide the requested messaging services. Such service providers are not permitted to use mobile opt-in information for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

SMS/Text Messaging

If you voluntarily provide your mobile telephone number and consent to receive SMS/text messages from us, you may receive appointment reminders, appointment notifications, and other transactional messages related to your care and the services or communications for which you have provided consent. Our SMS/text messaging program is operated under the name FLORIDA JOINT & SPINE INSTITUTE SMS PROGRAM and messages are sent from (863) 385-2222. We rely on your prior express consent to send you transactional and appointment-related text messages; for any promotional or marketing text messages, we will first obtain your prior express written consent as required by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Message frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out of SMS/text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. You may reply HELP for assistance. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Your consent to receive SMS/text messages is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services or of receiving treatment. For additional information about our SMS/text messaging program, please review our SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions available at [SMS Terms & Conditions link].

Your Florida Privacy Rights

If you live in Florida, you may:

Limit how we use and share your Sensitive Personal Information.
Depending on applicable Florida law, you may have rights to request access to or information about personal information we maintain about you.
Depending on applicable Florida law and subject to exceptions, you may have rights to request deletion of certain personal information.
Depending on applicable Florida law, you may have rights to request correction of inaccurate personal information.
You may have rights under applicable Florida law concerning certain sales, sharing, targeted advertising, or other uses of personal information, subject to applicable exceptions.
Where required by applicable law, we will not discriminate against you for exercising applicable privacy rights.
Where permitted by applicable law, you may designate an authorized agent to submit a privacy request on your behalf, subject to verification requirements.
Medical Records Rights: Patients may have rights to access and obtain copies of their medical records under HIPAA and other applicable federal and Florida law, subject to applicable requirements and exceptions.
Submit requests via the Website links or by contacting us directly.
Use legally recognized privacy preference signals, where applicable and required by law.

How to Submit a Request: To exercise applicable privacy rights, you may contact the Practice using the contact information provided in this Policy. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

Response Timeframe: We will respond to verifiable privacy requests within the timeframe required by applicable law.

Appeals and Complaints: If we deny a privacy request, you may contact us at [javascript protected email address] using the information below and may have the right to submit a complaint to an appropriate regulatory authority, as provided by applicable law.

Security Measures

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including safeguards consistent with the HIPAA Security Rule (45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C) and the reasonable security procedures and practices required by Florida Civil Code Section 1798.81.5.

We maintain a written information security plan, assign a person to oversee it, and train staff on proper handling of personal information.

Access to your information is limited to authorized personnel and service providers who need it to do their job, and they must follow this Policy.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; therefore, we do not guarantee absolute security.

In the event of a breach involving unsecured protected health information or other personal information, we will provide notification to affected individuals, regulators, and, where applicable, the media, as required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule (45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart D) and applicable Florida breach-notification laws (Florida Civil Code Sections 1798.29 and 1798.82).

Retention

We will retain Personal Information and Sensitive Personal Information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes, to enforce agreements, and for auditing and security purposes, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

With respect to protected health information and patient medical records, we retain such information in accordance with the retention requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and applicable Florida medical-record retention laws governing licensed medical practices, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

We may retain SMS/text messaging consent and opt-out records as reasonably necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on our Website with the updated date. If we make material changes, we will post the updated Policy on our Website with a revised effective date and, where required by law, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Website after such changes constitutes acknowledgment of this notice; it does not, however, constitute consent to any new collection, use, or disclosure of your health information or other sensitive personal information, for which we will obtain any authorization required by applicable federal or Florida law.

Governing Law

This Policy is governed by Florida law. Any disputes will be handled in Florida courts.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or would like to submit a request under the Florida Consumer Privacy Act (as amended by the Florida Privacy Rights Act), you may contact us using the information below:

Florida Joint & Spine Institute

Attn: Privacy Officer
Mailing Address: Florida Joint & Spine Institute
5115 U.S. Highway 27 N.,
Suite 100,
Sebring, FL 33870

Email: [javascript protected email address]

SMS TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: September 01, 2026

These SMS Terms and Conditions (“SMS Terms”) govern SMS/text messaging communications sent by or on behalf of Florida Joint & Spine Institute (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to individuals who provide a mobile telephone number and consent to receive text messages from us. These SMS Terms apply to the Practice’s SMS/text messaging program for appointment notifications and related healthcare communications.

ARTICLE 1 — PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Program Name. The SMS/text messaging program is FLORIDA JOINT & SPINE INSTITUTE SMS PROGRAM.
Sending Number. Messages may be sent from (863) 385-2222 or another number used by or on behalf of the Practice for healthcare-related communications.
Message Types. If you opt in, you may receive SMS/text messages relating to your care, appointments, or interactions with the Practice, including appointment reminders, appointment confirmations, scheduling-related notices, pre-visit or post-visit instructions, office closure notices, administrative updates, and responses to inquiries you submit. The Practice’s privacy policy states that it may send SMS/text messages when consent has been provided and may use mobile telephone numbers and SMS/text messaging opt-in information for that purpose. The Practice will seek to limit the amount of health-related information included in SMS/text messages to information reasonably necessary for the intended communication.
Transactional and Marketing Messages. The Practice’s SMS program is intended primarily for appointment notifications and healthcare-related transactional communications. We will not send marketing or promotional text messages unless we have obtained any consent required by applicable law. Consent to receive transactional healthcare-related texts does not, by itself, constitute consent to receive marketing texts.

ARTICLE 2 — CONSENT TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES

Opt-In Consent. By providing your mobile telephone number to the Practice and affirmatively opting in to receive SMS/text messages, you authorize the Practice and its service providers to send text messages to the mobile telephone number you provided, including through automated technology, for the message types described in these SMS Terms. Your consent applies only to the Practice and the SMS program identified during enrollment and does not constitute consent to receive marketing or promotional messages from unrelated third parties. The opt-in process will identify the Practice, describe the types of messages you may receive, provide applicable message-frequency and rate disclosures, and provide instructions for obtaining help and revoking consent.
Consent Records. The Practice may maintain records of your SMS/text messaging consent, including the date, time, method, and information presented when consent was obtained, as reasonably necessary to administer the SMS program and demonstrate compliance with applicable law.
Scope of Consent. Your consent applies to the SMS/text messaging program identified during enrollment and to the message types described in these SMS Terms. Consent to receive SMS/text messages from the Practice does not authorize unrelated third parties to send you text messages.
Voluntary Participation. Your consent to receive SMS/text messages is voluntary and is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services or receiving treatment from the Practice, except to the extent a particular communication method is necessary to provide a text-based service you specifically request. The Practice’s privacy policy states that consent to receive SMS/text messages is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services.
Accuracy of Mobile Number. You represent that you are the subscriber, customary user, or authorized user of the mobile telephone number you provide. You agree to promptly notify us if your mobile number changes or if you cease to be the subscriber, customary user, or authorized user of that number.
Age and Authorized User. You must be at least 18 years old, or otherwise have the consent of a parent, legal guardian, or legally authorized representative, to enroll in the SMS program. If you enroll on behalf of another patient or individual, you represent that you have authority to receive SMS/text messages relating to that individual.

ARTICLE 3 — MESSAGE FREQUENCY, CHARGES, AND CARRIERS

Message Frequency. Message frequency may vary depending on your relationship with the Practice, your appointment activity, your care-related interactions, and the services or communications for which you provided consent. Message frequency varies based on your appointments, interactions with the Practice, and the types of communications for which you have consented.
Message and Data Rates. Message and data rates may apply. You are responsible for any charges imposed by your wireless carrier for SMS/text messages, data usage, or related services. The Practice’s privacy policy states that message and data rates may apply.
Supported Carriers. SMS availability depends on your wireless carrier and may vary by carrier, device, network, and location. Carrier participation may vary and is subject to change without notice.
Carrier Disclaimer. Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of SMS/text messages is subject to effective transmission by your wireless carrier and network operator and is not guaranteed.

ARTICLE 4 — OPT-OUT AND HELP INSTRUCTIONS

How to Opt Out. You may opt out of SMS/text messages at any time by replying STOP to any text message from the Practice. After you send STOP, we may send one additional message confirming that you have been unsubscribed. The Practice’s privacy policy states that you may opt out at any time by replying STOP. We will process a valid revocation request as soon as reasonably practicable and in accordance with applicable law.
Effect of Opt-Out. After you opt out, you may no longer receive SMS/text messages from the applicable SMS program unless you re-enroll or otherwise provide renewed consent. Opting out of SMS/text messages will not prevent the Practice from communicating with you by other lawful means, including telephone, voicemail, patient portal, email, mail, or in-person communications.
Help Instructions. For assistance, reply HELP to any SMS/text message from the Practice or contact us using the contact information in Article 11. The Practice’s privacy policy states that you may reply HELP for assistance.
Re-Enrollment. If you have opted out and later wish to receive SMS/text messages again, you may re-enroll by following the Practice’s then-current opt-in process.

ARTICLE 5 — HEALTHCARE PRIVACY AND CONTENT LIMITATIONS

Potentially Sensitive Information. SMS/text messages may include limited healthcare-related information, such as appointment dates, times, locations, provider names, service-related instructions, or administrative reminders. Although the Practice seeks to limit the amount of sensitive information included in text messages, SMS/text messaging may not be encrypted and may be viewable by anyone with access to your mobile device or mobile account.
Your Responsibilities. You are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of your mobile device, account credentials, message previews, backups, and other settings that may display or store SMS/text messages. You should consider whether SMS/text messaging is appropriate for your circumstances before opting in.
HIPAA and Florida Medical Privacy Safeguards. To the extent SMS/text messages involve protected health information or medical information, the Practice will handle such information consistent with applicable federal and applicable Florida medical privacy requirements, including safeguards appropriate to the nature of the communication. The Practice’s privacy policy states that it collects health information in connection with services and uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information.
No Clinical Advice by SMS. SMS/text messages are not intended for diagnosis, treatment decisions, urgent medical questions, medication changes, or clinical advice unless expressly stated by an authorized Practice clinician through an approved communication channel. You should not rely on SMS/text messaging as a substitute for professional medical advice, an office visit, or emergency care.
Emergency Limitation. Do not use SMS/text messaging for medical emergencies or urgent health issues. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

ARTICLE 6 — PRIVACY AND SHARING OF MOBILE INFORMATION

Privacy Policy. The Practice’s collection, use, disclosure, retention, and protection of personal information, mobile telephone numbers, and SMS/text messaging opt-in information are described in the Practice’s Website Privacy Policy, as updated from time to time. These SMS Terms supplement, and do not replace, the Practice’s privacy policy.
Mobile Opt-In Information. The Practice’s privacy policy states that mobile telephone numbers and SMS/text messaging opt-in information may be collected if you voluntarily provide your mobile number and consent to receive SMS/text messages.
No Sale or Marketing Sharing of Mobile Opt-In Data. The Practice’s privacy policy states that it does not sell, rent, or share mobile telephone numbers or SMS/text messaging opt-in information with third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes, and that mobile opt-in data will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
Service Providers. The Practice may share mobile telephone numbers and SMS/text messaging opt-in information with service providers that assist in delivering SMS/text messages on the Practice’s behalf, but only as necessary to provide the requested messaging services. The Practice’s privacy policy states that such service providers are not permitted to use mobile opt-in information for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
Retention of Consent and Opt-Out Records. The Practice may retain SMS/text messaging consent, delivery, and opt-out records as reasonably necessary to administer the SMS program, demonstrate compliance, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and comply with legal or regulatory obligations. The Practice’s privacy policy states that it may retain SMS/text messaging consent and opt-out records as reasonably necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

ARTICLE 7 — USER CONDUCT AND RESTRICTIONS

Permitted Use. You may use the SMS program only for lawful communications with the Practice relating to the purposes for which the program is offered.
Prohibited Use. You must not use SMS/text messaging to transmit unlawful, abusive, threatening, harassing, fraudulent, or misleading content; interfere with the operation of the SMS program; attempt to gain unauthorized access to Practice systems; or impersonate another person.
Program Suspension. The Practice may suspend or terminate your participation in the SMS program if we believe your use violates these SMS Terms, applicable law, patient privacy requirements, carrier requirements, or the security or integrity of Practice systems.

ARTICLE 8 — AVAILABILITY, DELAYS, AND CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM

Availability. The SMS program may not be available on all devices, through all carriers, or in all areas. Message delivery may be delayed or unsuccessful due to circumstances outside the Practice’s control, including carrier, network, device, platform, or technical issues.
Changes to Program. The Practice may modify, suspend, or discontinue all or part of the SMS program at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Changes to These SMS Terms. The Practice may update these SMS Terms from time to time. Updated SMS Terms will be effective as of the date stated in the updated version or as otherwise communicated. Your continued participation in the SMS program after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated SMS Terms, except where additional consent is required by law.

ARTICLE 9 — FLORIDA PRIVACY RIGHTS

Florida Privacy Rights. Florida residents may have rights regarding their personal information, including rights to know, access, correct, delete, limit certain uses of sensitive personal information, and opt out of certain sales or sharing, subject to applicable exceptions. The Practice’s privacy policy states that Florida residents may limit certain uses and sharing of sensitive personal information, submit requests through available request methods, and use legally recognized opt-out preference signals. Certain medical information, Protected Health Information (“PHI”), and patient information may be governed by HIPAA, the applicable Florida medical privacy requirements (“CMIA”), or other applicable medical privacy laws and may be subject to exemptions from general consumer privacy rights.
Medical Information. Certain health or medical information may be subject to federal and applicable Florida medical privacy laws rather than, or in addition to, general consumer privacy laws. Requests involving medical records or Protected Health Information may be subject to separate rights, procedures, and limitations under HIPAA, the CMIA, and other applicable medical privacy laws. Nothing in these SMS Terms limits or replaces the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices or other applicable medical-records rights.

ARTICLE 10 — DISCLAIMER; LIMITATION OF SMS COMMUNICATIONS

No Guarantee. The Practice does not guarantee that SMS/text messages will be delivered, delivered on time, secure from unauthorized access, or free from error.
No Replacement for Medical Care. SMS/text messages are provided for convenience and administrative communication. They do not replace medical care, direct communications with your provider, or emergency services.
Other Communications. The Practice may use other communication methods where appropriate or required, including where SMS/text messaging is unavailable, undeliverable, inappropriate for the content, or not permitted by law.

ARTICLE 11 — CONTACT INFORMATION

Practice Contact. For questions about these SMS Terms or the SMS program,
Contact: Florida Joint & Spine Institute
5115 U.S. Highway 27 N.,
Suite 100,
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 385-2222
Email: [javascript protected email address]
SMS Help. You may also reply HELP to an SMS/text message for assistance.

ARTICLE 12 — GOVERNING LAW

Governing Law. These SMS Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles that would require the application of another jurisdiction’s laws.
Relationship to Other Terms. These SMS Terms apply only to the Practice’s SMS/text messaging program. Other Practice policies, notices, consents, patient forms, or terms may also apply to your relationship with the Practice, including the Practice’s privacy policy and any applicable notice of privacy practices.