Privacy Policy

Text Messaging & Email Communication Policy

This Policy is issued by Oaktree Health and Wellness, LLC, doing business as Everest Diabetes & Endocrinology, Everest Diabetes & Weight Loss, and Everest Eclinic (collectively referred to herein as “Everest”). It explains how Everest uses text messaging and email to communicate with patients. It supplements the General Consent for Telehealth Care, Office Policies, and Communication Agreement, which patients sign at the start of care.

1. Collection and Use of Information

When you provide your mobile phone number and/or email address to Everest, we collect this information for the purpose of communicating with you about your care. This may include:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling updates.
• General clinic announcements.
• Limited treatment-related communications, such as medication dosing instructions and follow-up reminders.

We use your contact information only for these purposes and do not sell or rent your information to third parties.

 
2. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your phone number, email address, or limited related information to:

• Service providers that enable our text messaging and email systems (e.g., carriers, HIPAA-compliant platforms).
• Your insurance company if required for prior authorization or reimbursement.
• Other parties only as required by law, such as in response to a court order or regulatory request.

We do not otherwise share, sell, or disclose your contact information for marketing or unrelated purposes.

 
3. Scope of Communication

We may use text messaging and email to communicate with you about:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling updates.
• General clinic announcements.
• Limited treatment-related communications, including medication dosing instructions and follow-up reminders.
• Educational and promotional content, such as newsletters, blog posts, or announcements about new services that may benefit you.

We do not use text or unsecured email to transmit complete medical records or sensitive personal health information. For access to your medical records or detailed communications, please use our secure patient portal.

You may opt out of marketing or promotional communications at any time by following the instructions in the message, while still continuing to receive essential clinical communications.

 
4. Risks and Consent

Text messaging and email are not fully secure communication methods. They may be intercepted, misdirected, or accessed by unauthorized parties. By signing Everest’s General Consent, you acknowledge these risks and authorize us to communicate with you via text and/or email.

• Automated Messaging: You consent to receive text messages that may be sent using an automated system (for example appointment reminders). Consent is not a condition of receiving medical care. You may opt out of texts at any time by replying STOP.

• Medical Record: At the provider’s discretion, clinically relevant messages may be documented in your medical record.

If you have not yet signed the General Consent, you will be asked to do so before receiving treatment-related communications by text or email.

5. Patient Responsibilities

• Emergencies: Do not use text or email for urgent or emergency medical issues. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
• Message Content: Do not send photos, detailed medical questions, or sensitive personal information by text or email unless specifically requested by your provider.
• Delivery & Device Security: Message delivery is not guaranteed and may be affected by carrier/network issues. You are responsible for protecting your device (e.g., passcode/biometric lock) and for notifying Everest if your device or number changes. 
• Identity Verification: Everest may request limited identifiers (e.g., date of birth) by text/email to confirm your identity before discussing treatment-related matters.
• Response Times: We make every effort to respond as promptly as possible during business hours, typically within one business day, but response times are not guaranteed.

 
6. Message Frequency & Charges

• Message frequency may vary depending on your treatment plan and appointment schedule.
• Standard message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. Everest is not responsible for these charges.

7. Opting Out and Help Commands

• You may opt out of text messaging at any time by replying STOP to a text message.
• You may request assistance by replying HELP to a text message. Instructions will then be provided.
• You can resume text messages at any time by replying START to an Everest message.
• You may also request, in writing, to limit communications to our secure patient portal. 

8. Changes to This Policy

Everest may update this policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with the effective date noted below. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy, please contact us:

Oaktree Health and Wellness, LLC

DBA: Everest Diabetes & Endocrinology · Everest Diabetes & Weight Loss · Everest Eclinic

Phone: 203-689-0558

Email: [email protected]

 
10. Last Updated

This policy was last updated on: November 2nd 2025