Privacy Policy Sharma Foot & Ankle Specialist Effective Date: June 5, 2026
Sharma Foot & Ankle Specialist (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the podiatry practice located at 8080 Independence Parkway, Suite #220, Plano, Texas 75025. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal and health information when you visit our website (sharmapodiatry.com), book an appointment, complete intake forms, receive care, or communicate with us.
We are a HIPAA-covered entity and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Texas Health and Safety Code provisions regarding the privacy of medical records, and other applicable federal and Texas state laws.
Information We Collect
We collect the information necessary to provide you with high-quality foot and ankle care, including:
- Personal information (name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, emergency contacts)
- Protected Health Information (PHI) such as medical history, symptoms, medications, allergies, diagnoses, treatment records, X-rays, and clinical notes
- Insurance and billing information (insurance details, guarantor information, and credit/debit card on file)
- Information you submit through our website booking or online intake forms
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up podiatric care
- Schedule appointments and send transactional reminders (appointment confirmations, reminders, pre-visit instructions, billing notifications, and care follow-ups) via phone, email, or SMS/text message
- Process insurance claims and payments
- Operate and improve our practice
- Meet our legal and regulatory obligations under HIPAA and Texas law
SMS / Text Message Communications
We may send transactional healthcare text messages to the mobile phone number you provide. These messages include appointment reminders, confirmations, pre-visit instructions, billing alerts, and other care-related notifications.
Your Consent: By providing your phone number on our website, online intake forms, during registration, or in any patient communication, you consent to receive these transactional text messages. This consent satisfies prior express consent requirements for healthcare transactional messages under applicable federal law (TCPA).
Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. You may also call our office at (469) 960-6259 to request removal from SMS communications. Opting out of text messages will not affect your care or ability to receive other communications.
Message frequency varies depending on your appointments and care needs. Standard message and data rates may apply. We do not send marketing or promotional text messages without obtaining separate consent.
We use Dialpad, Inc. as our secure communications provider for phone and SMS services. Dialpad is HIPAA-compliant, and we have executed (or will execute) a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with them to protect any protected health information transmitted through their platform.
How We Share Your Information
We share your information only as permitted or required by HIPAA, Texas law, and other applicable regulations:
- With your insurance company or other payers for billing and claims processing
- With our business associates and vendors who assist us (examples include Dialpad for messaging, our electronic medical record system, scheduling/portal tools, laboratories, and billing services). All business associates are required to protect your information under HIPAA Business Associate Agreements
- For treatment, payment, and healthcare operations purposes
- As required by law (public health reporting, court orders, or other legal requirements)
We do not sell your personal or health information to third parties.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes secure handling of credit card information on file and protected health information. While no system is completely secure, we follow standards appropriate for a medical practice in Texas.
Your Rights
You have important rights under HIPAA and Texas law regarding your health information, including the right to:
- Access and receive a copy of your medical records
- Request amendments to your records
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information
- Request confidential communications
- Receive a copy of our full Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a complaint with our office or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
To exercise any of these rights or for questions about our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer using the information below.
Website Information
Our website may use essential cookies or similar technologies necessary for the site to function. We do not currently use third-party advertising or tracking cookies that sell data. If this changes, we will update this policy.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The most current version will always be posted on this page with the effective date clearly shown.
Contact Information
Privacy Officer Sharma Foot & Ankle Specialist 8080 Independence Parkway, Suite #220 Plano, Texas 75025 Phone: (469) 960-6259