Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Website: https://houstonveininstitute.com/
1. Who We Are
Houston Vein Institute (“Houston Vein Institute,” “HVI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides medical services related to the diagnosis and treatment of vein conditions. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through our website.
Contact Information:
Houston Vein Institute
Methodist West Hospital
18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 480, Medical Office Building1
Houston, Texas 77094
Phone: (713) 932‑6251
Email: info@houstonveininstitute.com
2. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through this website, including information submitted through contact forms, appointment requests, and other online interactions.
This Privacy Policy does not replace our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which governs how we use and disclose Protected Health Information (“PHI”) for patients receiving medical care.
3. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide Directly
We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Appointment or consultation request details
- Any information you include in messages or inquiries
Please do not submit highly sensitive medical information through general website contact forms unless specifically instructed.
B. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and device information
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
- Approximate geographic location (city/state level)
This information is used for website functionality, analytics, security, and performance improvement.
C. Cookies and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website performance and user experience. You can control cookie usage through your browser settings.
4. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
- Respond to inquiries and appointment requests
- Communicate with you regarding services
- Improve our website and offerings
- Maintain website security and prevent misuse
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
5. SMS / Text Messaging Consent
SMS Communications
If you provide your mobile phone number to Houston Vein Institute, you may choose to receive SMS (text) messages for healthcare-related purposes.
These messages may include:
- Appointment confirmations and reminders
- Scheduling updates
- Service-related notifications
- Follow-up communications related to your care
SMS messages will not include sensitive medical information.
How You Opt In
You opt in to receive SMS messages by:
- Entering your mobile number through our website forms or patient intake forms and
- Providing express consent via a checkbox, toggle, written acknowledgment, or recorded verbal consent
Consent to receive SMS communications is not a condition of receiving medical care or services.
Message Frequency and Fees
- Message frequency may vary
- Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages
Opt‑Out and Help
- You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any SMS message
- For help, contact us directly using the information in this policy
Privacy and Security of SMS
Text messages may not be fully secure. By opting in, you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with SMS communications. We take reasonable steps to protect your information in accordance with applicable laws, including HIPAA.
6. How We Share Information
We do not sell personal information.
We may share information with:
- Service providers that help operate our website and services (under confidentiality obligations)
- Legal authorities when required by law or to protect safety and rights
- Healthcare operations, as permitted by HIPAA for patients receiving care
7. HIPAA and Medical Privacy
If you become a patient of Houston Vein Institute, certain information may be considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and is governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, not solely this Privacy Policy.
You may request a copy of our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.
8. Data Security
We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as required by applicable law, including medical record retention requirements.
10. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Request access to or correction of your personal information
- Opt out of SMS communications at any time
- Disable cookies through browser settings
For rights related to PHI, please refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
11. Children’s Privacy
This website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
12. Third‑Party Links
Our website may contain links to third‑party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites and encourage you to review their policies.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the “Effective Date” above. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Houston Vein Institute
18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 480, Medical Office Building1
Houston, TX 77094
Phone: (713) 932‑6251
Email: info@houstonveininstitute.com