FMG Privacy Policy

The Functional Medicine Georgia (FMG) privacy policy ensures transparency with users about data collection, usage, and protection:
 

1. Introduction​
   At FMG, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services. We understand the sensitive nature of your health information and take every measure to ensure its security and confidentiality.
   
   Our policy outlines:

   • What data we collect from you and why

   • How we use your information to provide high-quality, personalized care

   • The steps we take to secure your information and comply with relevant privacy laws

   • By being transparent about our data practices, we aim to build trust and help you make informed decisions about your health journey with us. If you have questions or concerns about how we handle your information, please reach out to us through the contact details provided below.
      

2. Information Collection​
   To provide our services effectively, FMG collects certain personal information from you. This may include:​

   • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address to communicate with you regarding appointments, services, and clinic updates.

   • Health Information: Medical history, symptoms, treatment plans, and health goals shared during consultations or submitted through forms, which help us develop a personalized care plan.

   • We only collect the information necessary to provide our services and handle it in compliance with applicable privacy laws, ensuring confidentiality and security.

   • SMS opt-in or phone numbers collected for the purpose of SMS communication are not shared with any outside parties. We use this information solely to communicate directly with you as part of our services.
      

3. How Information Is Used
   At FMG, we collect personal information to provide you with a high-quality, personalized care experience. The main purposes for collecting this data include:

   • Providing Services: We use your health information to assess your needs, design a personalized treatment plan, and offer functional medicine services that align with your health goals.

   • Customer Support and Communication: Your contact information allows us to communicate important updates, schedule reminders, and respond to any inquiries or requests you may have.

   • Appointment Scheduling and Billing: We utilize personal and payment details to schedule appointments efficiently and process payments securely.

   • D​​ata-Sharing with Third Parties: We may share your information with trusted third parties essential to our services, but only for specific purposes:

     • Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers: To facilitate lab tests or diagnostic procedures necessary for your care.

     • Payment Processors: To securely handle billing and transactions.

     • Health Record Storage and Software Providers: To maintain secure and organized digital records as part of patient care.

     • Each of these third parties adheres to strict privacy standards, and we share only the minimum data necessary to perform these functions. We do not sell or share your personal information for any marketing or non-health-related purposes.​

     • SMS consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
        

4. Information Protection
   FMG is committed to safeguarding your personal and health information. We implement a range of security measures to ensure that your data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. These include:

   • Encryption: All personal and health data, especially sensitive information, is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring that it remains secure during transmission and storage.

   • Secure Servers: We use secure servers with advanced firewall and intrusion prevention systems to prevent unauthorized access to our databases.

   • Restricted Access: Access to personal information is limited to authorized clinic staff and essential third-party partners. Staff members are trained on privacy practices, and their access is monitored and controlled to ensure data is handled responsibly.

   • Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security assessments and updates to our systems to protect against emerging security threats.

   • Disclaimer: While we employ strong security measures, it's important to note that no method of electronic storage or transmission over the internet is entirely secure. Therefore, although we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
      

5. User Rights
   FMG respects your rights regarding your personal information. You have the following options:

   • Access: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you to review or verify it.

   • Update: If your personal information changes or is incorrect, you can request an update to keep it accurate.

   • Delete: In certain situations, you may request the deletion of your personal information from our records, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain specific data.

   • To exercise these rights or ask questions about how we handle your data, please contact us at:
     Functional Medicine Georgia (FMG)
     Email: gethealthy@fmg.health in the subject line type 'Privacy Policy'
     Phone: 678.242.0204
     Address: 401 S. Main Street, Suite C1, Alpharetta, GA.  30009
     We will respond to your request promptly and take any necessary steps to address your concerns in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
      

6. Cookies and Tracking:​​
   To enhance your experience on our website, FMG uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that allow us to recognize you and remember your preferences when you visit our site. We use cookies for the following purposes:​

   • Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the basic functioning of our website, such as enabling secure login and navigation.

   • Performance and Analytics Cookies: These help us understand how visitors use our site by collecting information on pages visited, time spent, and general site behavior. This information is anonymous and helps us improve our site’s functionality and user experience.

   • Functionality Cookies: These cookies remember your settings and preferences, such as language selection, to make your experience more convenient and personalized.

   • You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, where you may also choose to disable cookies entirely. However, please note that disabling cookies may impact your ability to use certain features on our website.

   • For any questions about our use of cookies or tracking technologies, feel free to contact us using the information provided below.
      

7. Data Retention
   FMG retains your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. We keep your health records and related information for the duration of your treatment and for any legally mandated period following the end of our services, in accordance with healthcare regulations.

   • Health Records: Retained for the legally required period after the completion of your treatment to comply with medical record-keeping laws.

   • Contact and Billing Information: Retained for as long as necessary for administrative purposes, including billing, customer support, and maintaining accurate records.

   • Once your information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized. If you have any specific questions or requests regarding data retention, please contact us at gethealthy@fmg.health.
      

8. Policy Changes​

   • FMG may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date at the top of the page.

   • For significant changes that affect how we handle your personal information, we will provide additional notice, such as an email notification or a prominent announcement on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

   • If you have questions about any changes to this policy, please contact us at gethealthy@fmg.health.
     
      

9. Contact Information

   • For any questions regarding our Privacy Policy please contact us at:
     Functional Medicine Georgia (FMG)
     Email: gethealthy@fmg.health in the subject line type 'Privacy Policy'
     Phone: 678.242.0204
     Address: 401 S. Main Street, Suite C1, Alpharetta, GA.  30009

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10.  SMS Terms & Conditions
 

SMS Consent Communication:
The phone numbers obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Types of SMS Communications:
If you have consented to receive text messages from FMG, you may receive messages related to the following:

• Appointment reminders

• Follow-up messages

• Billing inquiries

• Promotions or offers (if applicable)
   

Example: "Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming appointment with Dr. Doniparthi at 401 S. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Suite C on [Date] at [Time]. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging at any time."

Message Frequency:
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 2 SMS messages per week related to your appointments or account status.

Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:
Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

Opt-In Method:
You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from FMG in the following ways:

• Verbally, during a conversation

• By submitting an online form

• By filling out a paper form

Opt-Out Method:
You can opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

Help:
If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can get help directly from us at 678.242.0204.

Additional Options:

• If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.
   

Standard Messaging Disclosures:

• Message and data rates may apply.

• You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP."

• For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our [Privacy Policy] and [Terms and Conditions] pages.

• Message frequency may vary.