Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Practices and SMS Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 14, 2003 (Updated: October 6, 2025)

At Crossroads Behavioral Health Services (Crossroads BHS), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Notice, including our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and SMS Terms of Service, explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information — including when you opt in to receive SMS (text) messages from us.

Please review this information carefully.

1. How We May Use and Disclose Your Protected Health Information (PHI) With Your Authorization
We may use and disclose your PHI with your signed consent for purposes of:
Treatment
To provide or coordinate your clinical care, we may share information with doctors, therapists, or other professionals involved in your treatment.
Example: A doctor may consult with your therapist regarding a medication you’re taking.
Payment
We may use your information to bill for services and collect payment from you, your insurer, or a third-party payer.
Example: Your health plan may require treatment information for approval or reimbursement.
Health Care Operations
We may use PHI internally for:
Staff performance evaluations
Quality improvement
Training and supervision
Appointment reminders and treatment alternatives
With appropriate consent, we may disclose PHI externally for:
Insurance or caregiver billing
Disaster relief efforts
Research or service evaluations (with identifiers removed or with specific permission)

2. Other Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization
We may release PHI without written permission when permitted or required by law, including:
Public health reporting (e.g., disease control, abuse/neglect)
Health oversight agency reviews
Legal proceedings (e.g., court orders, subpoenas)
Law enforcement or correctional institution needs
Medical examiner or coroner requests
National security and military operations
Employee assistance programs (EAP), CPCs, or similar support services

3. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
Right to Inspect and Copy
You may request copies of your clinical and billing records in writing. Reasonable fees may apply.
Right to Amend
If you believe information we hold is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a written amendment. Requests may be denied under certain conditions (e.g., not created by us, already accurate, or not part of our records).
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures made in the past six years (not including disclosures made before April 14, 2003). The first request within a 12-month period is free.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request in writing to limit how we use or share your PHI. These must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Director before being implemented.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
You may request a physical copy of this Privacy Notice at any time from our front desk or during a scheduled visit.

4. Privacy Policy and SMS Terms of Service
In addition to clinical communications, you may choose to receive SMS (text) messages from Crossroads BHS. The following outlines our practices related to personal information and text communications.
What Personal Information We Collect
We may collect:
Full name
Mobile phone number
Email address
Appointment or service-related information
Communication preferences
Information voluntarily provided in forms or messages
Some of this data may be considered PHI and is protected under HIPAA.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide and manage care
Send appointment reminders, updates, and follow-ups via SMS or email
Respond to support or service requests
Communicate billing or administrative updates
Improve the quality of our services
We do not use your information for marketing without your explicit written consent.
SMS Communications & Consent
By opting in to receive text messages, you agree to:
Receive appointment reminders, billing notices, care coordination messages, and service updates
Message frequency varies depending on your activity with us
Standard message/data rates may apply
Reply STOP at any time to opt out
Reply HELP for support
SMS is not required to receive services
Your SMS consent is never shared with third parties
Who We Share Information With
We do not sell or share your information for advertising purposes. We may share it with:
Authorized communication providers (e.g., RingCentral)
Government/legal agencies when required
Other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment
All partners are bound by confidentiality and HIPAA-compliant agreements.
Your Additional Rights
You may:
Request access to or a copy of your personal information
Request corrections
Withdraw SMS or communication consent
Ask for more details about how your data is used
To make any such request, please contact us using the information below.
5. Data Security and Risks of SMS
Crossroads BHS follows reasonable physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your PHI, in compliance with HIPAA.
Important Note: SMS messaging is convenient but not a guaranteed secure method. Please avoid sharing sensitive or confidential health information via text unless directed by your provider.
6. Policy Updates
We may revise this Privacy Notice and SMS Policy at any time. Changes will apply to all existing PHI. The most current version will always be posted in our office and on our website.
7. Questions or Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our agency or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There is no penalty for filing a complaint.
To Contact Us:
Privacy Officer
Crossroads Behavioral Health Services
210 Russell St
Creston, IA 50801
Phone: (641) 782-8457
Email: crossroads@crossroadsbhs.org
Website: www.crossroadsbhs.org
 

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages from Crossroads Behavioral Health Services. Message frequency may vary. Message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Your consent is not shared with third parties