Electronic Communications — Terms & Consent | Belaray Dermatology Long Island

Why We Offer Electronic Communication

Belaray Dermatology offers text messaging, email, and videoconferencing because they are fast and convenient for patients — scheduling, reminders, quick questions, and eVisits all work well over these channels. Convenience comes with a tradeoff, though: these channels are not as secure as an in-person conversation or our patient portal. This page explains that tradeoff in plain language so you can decide how you want to communicate with us.

The Convenience vs. Security Tradeoff

Standard SMS text messages and email are not encrypted. That means messages travel over networks in a form that could, in principle, be intercepted or read by third parties. In addition, messages remain on your device, so anyone with access to your phone or email account may be able to read them.

Because of this, please do not send the following by standard text or email unless you understand and accept the risk:

Detailed medical history
Images you consider sensitive
Financial information (credit card numbers, bank details, Social Security numbers)

For sensitive records and results, use the Belaray patient portal (MySecureHealthData), which is a secure, encrypted platform. To pay a bill, use our secure online bill pay page — never send payment details by text or email.

Your Consent to Text Communication

By texting Belaray Dermatology, you consent to be contacted by text message about your appointments and care. In practical terms:

Texting us implies consent. When you initiate a text conversation with the practice, you agree that we may reply by text and send you appointment- and care-related messages.
You can withdraw consent at any time. Reply STOP to any text message from the practice and we will stop texting you. You can always reach us by phone instead at (516) 822-7546.
Message frequency varies based on your appointments and care. Standard message and data rates from your carrier may apply.

Emergencies

For medical emergencies, call 911. Do not text. Text messages and email are not monitored continuously and are never an appropriate way to seek emergency care.

Questions & Related Policies

For complete details on how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our full Privacy Policy. Questions about these terms? Call (516) 822-7546.