Text messaging is convenient but optional. East End Neuropsych, P.C. complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the CAN-SPAM Act, and HIPAA regulations governing SMS communications. This policy explains what messages we send, how to consent, and how to opt out at any time.
1. Types of SMS Messages We May Send
With your consent, East End Neuropsych may send text messages for the following limited purposes:
Appointment-Related Messages
- Appointment reminders: Typically sent 48 hours and 24 hours before your visit
- Confirmation requests: Asking you to confirm your appointment (reply YES or NO)
- Schedule changes: If your appointment needs to be rescheduled or cancelled
- Check-in instructions: Parking, arrival, or telehealth link on the day of your visit
Administrative Messages
- Prescription refill status: Confirmation when refills are sent to your pharmacy
- Form completion requests: Reminders to complete intake forms or assessments
- Payment reminders: Outstanding balance notifications
- Office closure notices: Weather, holidays, or other scheduling changes
What We Will NEVER Send by SMS
We will NOT send the following by text message:
- Clinical test results or laboratory values
- Diagnostic information or medical history
- Detailed medication information (dose, strength, interactions)
- Sensitive mental health or substance use information
- Marketing or promotional offers
- Requests for credit card or bank information
- Links asking you to "verify your account" (this is phishing)
If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from East End Neuropsych, please contact our office at (631) 737-6434 to verify before clicking any links or responding.
2. How Consent Works
Opting In
You consent to receive SMS messages from East End Neuropsych when you:
- Provide your mobile phone number on our new patient intake form AND check the "Text / SMS message" communication preference
- Specifically request text messaging during a phone call or in-person visit
- Reply "YES" to a welcome message confirming SMS communications
Proof of Consent
We maintain records of your consent in your patient chart, including:
- Date and method of consent
- Which types of messages you agreed to receive
- Any changes or withdrawals of consent
3. How to Opt Out
You may opt out of SMS messages at any time, for any reason, without affecting your care.
Option 1: Reply STOP
Reply to any SMS message from East End Neuropsych with the word STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, END, QUIT, or CANCEL. This will immediately remove your number from all SMS lists. You will receive one final confirmation message.
Option 2: Contact Us Directly
- Call our office: (631) 737-6434 and ask to be removed from SMS communications
- Email: office@eastendneuropsych.com with subject "SMS Opt-Out"
- Message your provider through the patient portal (eenpa.phiportal.com)
- Update your communication preferences on your next visit
After Opting Out
Once you opt out:
- You will no longer receive text reminders or notifications
- You may still receive appointment reminders by phone call or email (based on your other preferences)
- Critical clinical notifications will be delivered by phone call
- You may re-enroll in SMS at any time by reversing the process above
4. Message Frequency & Charges
Message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and treatment needs. Typical patients may receive 2–6 messages per month.
Message and data rates may apply. East End Neuropsych does not charge for SMS messages, but your mobile carrier may charge standard messaging rates. Check with your carrier for details about your texting plan.
5. HIPAA & Privacy Considerations
Standard SMS is NOT a fully secure method of communication. By consenting to receive SMS messages, you acknowledge that:
- Text messages may be transmitted over unsecured networks
- Anyone with access to your phone may read your messages
- We limit SMS content to minimize the disclosure of protected health information
- More secure alternatives include phone calls and our patient portal
If you prefer a more secure method, please use our patient portal for communications.
6. Mobile Carriers
SMS services work with major U.S. carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Boost Mobile, and others. If you switch carriers or change phone numbers, please update your information with our office to avoid missed messages.
7. Help & Support
If you have questions about SMS messages you've received, reply HELP or contact our office:
East End Neuropsych, P.C.
Phone: (631) 737-6434
Email: office@eastendneuropsych.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, varies · 24/7 clinical line for established patients
8. TCPA Compliance
East End Neuropsych complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the guidelines of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). We:
- Obtain express written consent before sending SMS
- Honor opt-out requests within 5 business days (usually immediately)
- Identify ourselves clearly in every message
- Include opt-out instructions periodically
- Do not send messages between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM (except for critical clinical matters)
- Maintain records of consent and opt-out requests
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this SMS Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued consent after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
10. Complaints
If you believe you have received unwanted SMS messages from us after opting out, please contact us immediately. You may also file a complaint with: