Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Mercedes and Family, LLC, doing business as Mercedes Health (“Mercedes Health,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), collects, uses, and protects information when you visit mercedeshealth.com (the “Site”).

This Policy covers information collected through the Site itself, such as when you fill out a contact form, browse our pages, or sign up for updates. It does not cover protected health information (PHI) created or received as part of your care, which is governed separately by our Notice of Privacy Practices, required under HIPAA. If you are a current or prospective patient, that Notice, not this Policy, governs your clinical information.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly. When you fill out a form on this Site, such as our contact form, general inquiry form, newsletter signup, or job application, we collect the information you enter, which may include your name, email address, phone number, and any message you include. Certain forms that may involve health-related information are handled through secure, HIPAA-compliant third-party providers, described in Section 4, rather than collected directly by this Site. If you text us, we also collect your mobile phone number and the content of your messages.

Information collected automatically. Like most websites, this Site automatically collects certain technical information when you visit, including your IP address, browser and device type, pages viewed, time spent on the Site, and the site that referred you here. We use this information to understand how the Site is used and to keep it working correctly.

2. Cookies and Similar Technologies

This Site may use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, understand how visitors use the Site, and improve its performance. You can control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting them, though some parts of the Site may not function as intended if you do.

3. How We Use Information

We use the information described above to respond to your inquiries, process job applications, send updates you've requested, understand how people use this Site, and improve its content and performance. We do not use information collected through this Site to make any clinical or treatment decision.

4. Third-Party Services We Use

This Site relies on certain third-party services to operate:

• Forms that may involve health-related information are embedded from a HIPAA-compliant provider under a signed Business Associate Agreement, rather than submitted directly to us.
• Our Client Portal, for scheduling and billing, is operated by SimplePractice and governed by SimplePractice's own privacy practices.
• We may use website analytics tools to understand Site traffic and usage.
• Text messages sent to or from our number pass through our business phone service provider and your wireless carrier.

Each of these third parties has its own privacy practices, and we encourage you to review them.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with service providers who help us operate this Site and respond to your inquiries, and only to the extent necessary for them to provide that service, or as required by law.

6. Children's Privacy

This Site is not directed to children. Forms related to a child's care are intended to be completed by a parent or legal guardian on the child's behalf.

7. Your Choices

You can opt out of marketing or newsletter emails at any time using the unsubscribe link included in those messages, or by contacting us directly. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. You can stop receiving text messages from us at any time by replying STOP to any message, or by telling our staff.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights regarding your personal information under state law, such as the right to know what information we've collected, to request its correction or deletion, or to opt out of certain uses. If you wish to make such a request, contact us using the information in Section 13, and we will respond consistent with applicable law.

9. Protected Health Information

This Policy does not apply to protected health information created or received in connection with your care. That information is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices, available at mercedeshealth.com/legal/notice-of-privacy-practices.

10. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards designed to protect the information collected through this Site. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The current version will always be posted on this page, along with the date it was last updated.

12. Text Messaging

Mercedes Health uses text messaging at 201.281.5936 to communicate with current and prospective clients. We may text you at your mobile number if you text us first, or if you have given us your number and agreed to receive text messages, for example by signing our Consent to Text Messaging form during intake. Our messages are limited to appointment reminders, scheduling and administrative notices, and replies to your questions. We do not send marketing or promotional text messages.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to stop receiving messages, or reply HELP for help. You can also contact us at info@mercedeshealth.com or 201.281.5936. Agreeing to receive text messages is not a condition of receiving care from Mercedes Health.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information sharing to subcontractors in support of our services, such as customer service, is permitted. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Text messaging is not a secure channel. Please do not send sensitive health information by text. Text messages are not monitored for emergencies. If you are in crisis, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Policy or how your information is handled, contact us at info@mercedeshealth.com or 201.281.5936.