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TERMS OF USE - SMS

These SMS/Text Messaging Terms of Service apply to text messages sent by or on behalf of Midwest Nephrology Associates (“MNA,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).
Effective Date: 8/1/2026

1. Separate Patient Messaging Programs
Midwest Nephrology Associates uses two separate communication systems for different purposes:

EPIC Hello World Appointment Communications

EPIC Hello World is used primarily for automated appointment-related communications. Depending on the communication preferences selected during registration or through EPIC/LiveWell, patients may receive:

  • Appointment reminders SMS with request to confirm or cancel an appointment
  • Scheduling or rescheduling notifications
  • Other automated appointment-related messages or telephone calls

Patients may choose whether they prefer to receive eligible appointment communications by text message, telephone call, or another available method. EPIC Hello World communication preferences are maintained through EPIC EHR — separate from RingCentral messaging preferences.

2. Consent and Communication Preferences
By providing your mobile telephone number and affirmatively agreeing to receive text messages—such as through registration, intake documentation, EPIC/LiveWell, or documented verbal enrollment—you authorize Midwest Nephrology Associates to send the categories of messages you selected through the applicable messaging program.

You may choose to receive:

  • EPIC Hello World appointment communications only;
  • RingCentral care-coordination and follow-up communications only;
  • Both types of communications; or
  • Neither type of communication.

You may also ask us to change your communication preferences, including the types of messages you receive and the method by which eligible communications are delivered.

Consent to receive text messages is voluntary and is not a condition of receiving healthcare services. Declining or withdrawing consent for text messaging will not affect your access to treatment. Midwest Nephrology Associates will utilize alternative communication methods available. Midwest Nephrology Associates will not use this SMS program to send third-party advertising or unrelated promotional messages without obtaining any additional consent required by law.

3. Message Frequency and Charges
Message frequency will vary depending on your appointments, treatment, care-coordination needs, account activity, and interactions with our practice.

Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier and service plan. Midwest Nephrology Associates does not charge a separate fee for participating in the SMS program.

Mobile carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of a text message is not guaranteed.

4. Privacy and Security of Text Messaging
Text messages may contain limited information related to your healthcare or account. Although Midwest Nephrology Associates uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for information maintained within systems under our control, standard SMS messages may:

  • Travel through cellular carriers and other service providers
  • Not be encrypted end-to-end
  • Appear on a device’s lock screen
  • Be accessible to anyone with access to your telephone or mobile account
  • Remain stored on your device, your carrier’s systems, or backup services

By choosing SMS communication, you acknowledge these risks. Please do not use SMS if your mobile number is shared, if other people can access your messages, or if you do not want health-related information sent by text. You may ask us to use another reasonable communication method.

Mobile numbers, SMS consent records, and opt-in information will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes. Information may be shared with service providers supporting the messaging program, as permitted or required by law and subject to applicable privacy and security requirements.

Please review our Privacy Policy for additional information.

5. Text Messages Are Not for Emergencies
Do not use text messaging for medical emergencies or urgent or time-sensitive medical needs.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For an urgent clinical concern, call the clinic directly. Text messages are not monitored continuously or 24 hours a day, and a message may not be reviewed or answered immediately.

Do not delay obtaining medical care while waiting for a response to a text message.

6. Clinical Communications and Medical Records
Text messaging is intended to support, not replace, appropriate clinical evaluation and communication. A text message response does not establish that a clinician has reviewed or acted upon your concern.

When a text conversation contains information relevant to your treatment, care decisions, or follow-up, Midwest Nephrology Associates may document the relevant information in your medical record.

We may ask you to confirm your identity or continue a conversation through the patient portal or by telephone before discussing sensitive or detailed health information.

7. Changing Preferences or Opting Out
You may change your messaging preferences or withdraw consent at any time.
Opting Out of EPIC Hello World SMS Messages

To stop EPIC Hello World appointment text messages, reply STOP to an EPIC Hello World text message. This will end SMS messages sent through EPIC Hello World but will not change your automated telephone call or other communication preferences.

To change automated telephone call preferences or other EPIC Hello World communication preferences, you must either:

  • Call Midwest Nephrology Associates at 414-762-2020; or
  • Log in to your LiveWell portal and update your communication preferences.

Opting out of EPIC Hello World SMS messages does not automatically stop RingCentral care-coordination and follow-up messages.

Opting Out of RingCentral SMS Messages

To stop RingCentral care-coordination, follow-up, billing, and direct staff text messages, reply STOP to a RingCentral message. This will end SMS messages sent through the RingCentral messaging program.

Opting out of RingCentral SMS messages does not change your EPIC Hello World appointment text-message preferences, automated telephone call preferences, or other communication preferences.

Opting Out of Both SMS Programs
To stop SMS messages from both EPIC Hello World and RingCentral, reply STOP separately to:

  • An EPIC Hello World text message; and
  • A RingCentral text message.

Because EPIC Hello World and RingCentral are separate messaging programs and may use different telephone numbers, a STOP request sent to one program will not opt you out of the other.

You may also call Midwest Nephrology Associates at 414-762-2020 and request assistance updating your SMS preferences for one or both programs.

Replying STOP affects SMS messages only. To change automated telephone calls or other communication preferences, call our office or update your preferences through the LiveWell portal.

8. Getting Help
For help with the SMS program, reply HELP to a message or contact Midwest Nephrology Associates:

9. Wrong, Reassigned, or Disconnected Numbers
You agree to notify Midwest Nephrology Associates if your mobile number changes, is reassigned, is disconnected, or is no longer under your control.

If you receive a message intended for someone else, do not disclose or forward the message. Reply STOP and notify Midwest Nephrology Associates at 414-762-2020 so we can correct our records.

10. Changes to These Terms
Midwest Nephrology Associates may update these Terms as necessary to reflect changes in our messaging practices, technology, or legal requirements. Updated Terms will be posted on this website with a revised effective date.

Continued participation in the SMS program following notice of material changes will be governed by the updated Terms, subject to your continuing right to opt out at any time.

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