SMS/Text Messaging Privacy Statement & Consent

Effective Date: August 25, 2025

Last Updated: August 25, 2025

SMS Service Overview

This Privacy Statement governs the collection and treatment of Personal Information by Virtual Concierge MD (operated by Theressia L. Washington, MD, P.C.) doing business as TessMD in connection with our SMS text messaging service.

Service Description

What We Provide

Our SMS Service enables us to send you:

1. Appointment reminders and confirmations
2. Prescription notifications
3. Lab result alerts (notification only, not results)
4. Health tips and wellness updates
5. Treatment reminders
6. Office announcements
7. Promotional offers and discounts
8. Customer care messages
9. Delivery notifications

Message Frequency

You will receive up to 10 text messages per month. Message frequency may vary based on your healthcare needs, appointments, and the services you've opted into.

Consent to Receive Messages

Your Agreement

By providing your mobile phone number and opting into our SMS service, you expressly consent to receive text messages from Virtual Concierge MD/TessMD for healthcare-related and promotional purposes. This includes messages sent using:

1. Automated technology
2. Artificial or prerecorded voice
3. Standard SMS/MMS messaging

How to Opt-In

You may opt into our SMS service by:

1. Checking the opt-in box on our website forms
2. Texting START or SUBSCRIBE to our SMS number
3. Providing verbal consent during a consultation
4. Signing up at our office or events

Voluntary Participation

1. Consent is voluntary and not a condition of purchase
2. Not required for medical treatment
3. Can be revoked at any time
4. You must be 18+ or have parental permission

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect only what's necessary:

1. Your name
2. Mobile phone number
3. Phone carrier information
4. Message delivery confirmations
5. Opt-in date and method

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

1. Provide the SMS Service
2. Send healthcare communications
3. Send promotional offers (with consent)
4. Ensure message delivery
5. Comply with regulatory requirements

Privacy and Security

HIPAA Compliance

Healthcare-related SMS communications:

1. Follow HIPAA privacy rules
2. Use minimum necessary information
3. Employ security safeguards
4. Limit access to authorized personnel

Third-Party Service Provider

We use RingCentral, a compliant SMS platform that:

1. Signs Business Associate Agreements
2. Maintains security standards
3. Processes data only as directed
4. Does not sell your information

Information Sharing

We Share Your Information Only With:

1. Our SMS service provider (under BAA)
2. As required by law
3. With your explicit consent
4. To protect health and safety

We Never:

1. Sell your mobile phone data
2. Share for third-party marketing
3. Use for non-authorized purposes
4. Allow unauthorized access

Message Types and Content

Healthcare Messages Include:

1. "TessMD: Your appointment with Dr. Washington is tomorrow at 2 PM. Reply STOP to opt out."
2. "TessMD: Your prescription is ready for pickup. Reply STOP to opt out."
3. "TessMD: Lab results are available in your portal. Reply STOP to opt out."
4. "TessMD: Time for your medication reminder. Reply STOP to opt out."

Marketing Messages Include:

1. "TessMD: 20% off hormone consultations this week! Reply STOP to opt out."
2. "TessMD: New weight loss program available. Learn more: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out."

Character Limitations

Messages are limited to 160 characters to ensure delivery and minimize costs.

Your Rights and Controls

Opt-Out Instructions

You can stop ALL messages at any time:

1. Text STOP to any message
2. Call (310) 275-8377
3. Email support@virtualconciergemd.com
4. Update preferences in your patient portal

When you text STOP, you will receive: "TessMD: You have successfully opted out from SMS notifications from Virtual Concierge MD. No further messages will be sent."

Opt-In Again

To resume messages after opting out:

1. Text START or SUBSCRIBE to our number
2. Call our office
3. Update preferences online or in person

Help and Information

Text HELP to receive:

1. Service information
2. Contact details
3. Support options

When you text HELP, you will receive: "TessMD: For support, email support@virtualconciergemd.com, call (310) 275-8377, or visit virtualconciergemd.com/support. Msg&data rates apply."

Costs and Charges

Your Responsibility

1. Standard message and data rates apply
2. Check with your carrier for specific rates
3. We don't charge for messages
4. You're responsible for your carrier fees

Carrier Support

Compatible with major carriers including but not limited to:

1. AT&T
2. Verizon
3. T-Mobile
4. Sprint/T-Mobile
5. US Cellular
6. And other major US carriers

Technical Requirements

Phone Compatibility

1. Any SMS-capable phone
2. Smartphone not required
3. MMS capability optional
4. US phone numbers only (+1)

Delivery Issues

We're not responsible for:

1. Carrier delays or failures
2. Blocked messages by carriers
3. Technical failures
4. Network issues
5. Phone compatibility issues

Important Limitations

Not for Emergencies

DO NOT use SMS for:

1. Medical emergencies
2. Urgent health issues
3. Time-sensitive medical matters For emergencies, call 911

No Sensitive Information

Do not send via text:

1. Social Security numbers
2. Financial information
3. Detailed health information
4. Passwords or PINs
5. Credit card information

Record Keeping

We Maintain Records Of:

1. Consent date and method
2. Messages sent
3. Opt-out requests
4. Delivery confirmations
5. HELP requests

Retention Period

Records kept for minimum 4 years per TCPA requirements and applicable state laws.

Legal Compliance

Federal Regulations

We comply with:

1. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
2. HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
3. FCC regulations
4. CAN-SPAM Act (where applicable)
5. CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices

State Requirements

Additional compliance with state laws in:

1. California (including CCPA/CPRA)
2. Illinois
3. Indiana
4. Montana
5. New York
6. Nevada

Updates to This Statement

We may update this statement:

1. With regulatory changes
2. For service improvements
3. To clarify provisions
4. As technology evolves

Updates posted at: https://legalcenter.virtualconciergemd.com

Dispute Resolution

Questions or Concerns

Contact us immediately:

1. Phone: (310) 275-8377
2. Email: support@virtualconciergemd.com
3. Mail: 9663 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 957, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Complaint Process

You may file complaints with:

1. Virtual Concierge MD Privacy Officer
2. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
3. Your state attorney general
4. Better Business Bureau

Additional Protections

Minor Patients

1. Parental consent required under 18
2. Special rules for adolescents may apply
3. State-specific consent laws apply

Do Not Disturb

Messages typically sent only during:

1. 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM local time
2. Earlier/later only for appointments
3. Emergency notifications exempt

Contact Information

Virtual Concierge MD / TessMD

Theressia L. Washington, MD, P.C.

9663 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 957

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (310) 275-8377

Email: support@virtualconciergemd.com

Website: virtualconciergemd.com

Legal Center: https://legalcenter.virtualconciergemd.com

Consent Acknowledgment

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to our SMS service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this SMS Privacy Statement.

Message and data rates may apply.

Text STOP to opt out

Text HELP for assistance

This statement applies to all SMS services provided by Virtual Concierge MD, TessMD, and affiliated entities.