Effective Date: October 16, 2025

Expert Care Group values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and share your information, and outlines the terms governing our SMS communications.

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, address, email address, phone number, and contact preferences.
   
• Protected Health Information (PHI): Details related to your wound care treatment, medical history, and insurance.
   
• Usage Data: Information collected automatically through our website (e.g., IP address, browser type, device information).
   
• Communication Data: Messages and inquiries submitted to us electronically or in person.
   

We collect data through:

• Forms completed online, in person, or over the phone.
   
• Communications with our staff.
   
• Website tracking tools like cookies.
   
• Partnered healthcare providers or insurers assisting in your care.
   

Your information is used to:

• Provide and coordinate wound care services.
   
• Schedule and confirm appointments.
   
• Process billing and insurance claims.
   
• Communicate with you about your care and follow-ups.
   
• Improve our operations and services.
   
• Meet regulatory or legal obligations.
   

We do not sell or rent personal or health information. We may share information only as necessary for:

• Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations (TPO): With healthcare professionals, insurers, and service providers.
   
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, regulation, or court order.
   
• Business Associates: Vendors under HIPAA-compliant agreements who assist in our operations.
   
• Emergencies: When necessary to protect your safety.
   

Your phone number will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

You have the right to:

• Access or request copies of your medical records.
   
• Request corrections to inaccurate information.
   
• Restrict certain uses or disclosures of your PHI.
   
• Request confidential communication methods.
   
• Receive an accounting of disclosures.
   
• File a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) without fear of retaliation.
   

To exercise your rights, contact us at intake@expertcaregroup.org or at the address below.

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. This includes secure electronic systems, encrypted communication, and limited access to authorized personnel only.

We may update this policy periodically. Updates will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

Expert Care Group
📍 2200 S. Main St. 111C
Lombard, IL 60148
📧 intake@expertcaregroup.org

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive SMS messages from Expert Care Group, you consent to receive text communications related to our services.
The information (phone numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

If you have consented to receive SMS messages, you may receive messages related to the following:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
   
• Follow-up messages related to your treatment plan
   
• Billing or insurance inquiries
   
• Service updates or notifications
   

Example:
“Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming appointment with Expert Care Group at 2200 S. Main St., Lombard, IL, on [Date] at [Time]. You can reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging from Expert Care Group at any time.”

Message frequency may vary depending on your level of care and communication preferences.
Example: “Message frequency may vary. You may receive up to 2 SMS messages per week regarding your appointments or account status.”

Standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Fees may differ for domestic versus international messages.

You may opt in to receive SMS messages in any of the following ways:

• Verbally, during a conversation with our staff.
   
• By submitting an online form.
   
• By filling out a paper registration or consent form.
   

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by:

• Replying “STOP” to any text message you receive.
   
• Contacting us directly at intake@expertcaregroup.org or by phone.
   

Once you opt out, you will no longer receive SMS communications, though we may still contact you through other authorized methods (e.g., phone or email).

If you experience any issues with our SMS service, reply “HELP” to any message for assistance, or contact us directly at:
📧 intake@expertcaregroup.org
🌐 expertcaregroup.com