Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms & Service Agreement

By accessing, using, or receiving services from Healthy Livin Guide, you expressly agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms & Conditions:

• Comprehensive Agreement: These terms apply to all healthcare services, digital platforms, communications, and interactions with our organization
• Legal Capacity: You confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or have proper legal authorization to enter into this agreement
• Ongoing Consent: Your continued use of our services constitutes ongoing acceptance of these terms and any updates
• Superseding Agreement: These terms supersede all previous agreements, understandings, or representations regarding our services

2. Healthcare Services & Professional Standards

Professional Medical Services

Healthy Livin Guide provides comprehensive healthcare services delivered by licensed medical professionals:

• Licensed Provider Network: All medical services are provided by California-licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and healthcare professionals
• Evidence-Based Care: Our treatments follow current medical standards, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practices
• Comprehensive Care Coordination: We coordinate with specialists, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare providers as medically necessary
• Quality Assurance: All services undergo continuous quality monitoring and improvement processes

Scope of Practice & Service Limitations

Our healthcare services operate within defined professional and regulatory boundaries:

• California Jurisdiction: Services are provided exclusively to patients located within California under California medical licensing
• Non-Emergency Care: Our services are designed for routine, preventive, and chronic condition management, not emergency situations
• Referral Network: Complex cases requiring specialized care will be referred to appropriate specialists or facilities
• Regulatory Compliance: All services comply with federal and state healthcare regulations, including HIPAA and California medical practice laws

Emergency Services Disclaimer

3. Patient Responsibilities & Care Partnership

Accurate Information & Medical History

Patients are required to provide complete, accurate, and timely information:

• Complete Medical History: Disclose all current and past medical conditions, treatments, surgeries, and hospitalizations
• Current Medications: Provide comprehensive list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies
• Allergy Information: Report all known allergies, adverse drug reactions, and sensitivities
• Lifestyle Factors: Honestly report smoking, alcohol use, recreational drug use, and other lifestyle factors affecting health
• Insurance & Contact Updates: Promptly notify us of changes to insurance coverage, contact information, or emergency contacts

Appointment Compliance & Care Engagement

Active participation in your healthcare is essential for optimal outcomes:

• Appointment Attendance: Attend all scheduled appointments or provide at least 24-hour notice for cancellations
• Treatment Adherence: Follow prescribed treatment plans, medication regimens, and lifestyle recommendations
• Follow-Up Compliance: Complete recommended laboratory tests, imaging studies, and specialist referrals
• Communication Responsiveness: Respond promptly to provider communications and requests for information

Medication Safety & Management

Patients bear responsibility for safe medication use and management:

• Prescription Compliance: Take medications exactly as prescribed, including dosage, timing, and duration
• Adverse Reaction Reporting: Immediately report any adverse reactions, side effects, or concerns about medications
• Drug Interaction Awareness: Inform all healthcare providers about medications prescribed by other providers
• Secure Storage: Store medications safely and securely, away from children and unauthorized access

Financial Obligations & Payment Responsibility

Patients are responsible for understanding and meeting financial obligations:

• Insurance Verification: Verify insurance coverage and understand benefits, copayments, and deductibles
• Payment Responsibility: Pay all applicable copayments, deductibles, and non-covered services at time of service
• Billing Inquiries: Review billing statements promptly and contact our billing department with questions
• Financial Assistance: Inquire about financial assistance programs if experiencing financial hardship

4. Payment Terms & Financial Policies

Accepted Payment Methods & Processing

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:

• Insurance Coverage: Most major health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
• Credit & Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
• Electronic Payments: ACH bank transfers, online payment portal, and automatic payment plans
• Cash & Check: Accepted for in-person visits (check payments subject to verification)
• Health Savings Accounts: HSA and FSA cards accepted for eligible services

Insurance Billing & Claims Processing

We work directly with insurance providers to streamline your healthcare experience:

• Direct Billing: We bill most insurance plans directly as an in-network or out-of-network provider
• Prior Authorization: We assist with obtaining prior authorizations for covered services and medications
• Claims Management: Our billing team handles claims submission, follow-up, and appeals processes
• Coverage Verification: We verify insurance coverage prior to services, but coverage is not guaranteed
• Patient Responsibility: Patients remain ultimately responsible for all charges, regardless of insurance coverage

Payment Due Dates & Collection Policies

Clear payment expectations ensure smooth financial operations:

• Immediate Payment: Copayments, deductibles, and self-pay services due at time of service
• Billing Statements: Monthly statements sent for outstanding balances with 30-day payment terms
• Payment Plans: Interest-free payment plans available for balances over $500 (subject to approval)
• Collection Actions: Unpaid balances over 90 days may be referred to collection agencies or legal action
• Service Suspension: Continued non-payment may result in suspension of non-emergency services

Refund Policy & Billing Disputes

We maintain fair and transparent refund and dispute resolution policies:

• Service Refunds: Refunds considered for services not rendered due to provider cancellation or system failure
• Overpayment Refunds: Overpayments refunded within 30 days of identification
• Dispute Process: Billing disputes must be submitted in writing within 60 days of statement date
• Investigation Timeline: Billing disputes investigated and resolved within 30 business days
• Appeal Rights: Patients may appeal dispute resolutions through our formal appeals process

5. Telehealth Services & Technology Requirements

Technology Requirements & Platform Access

Telehealth services require specific technology capabilities for optimal care delivery:

• Device Requirements: Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera, microphone, and speakers
• Internet Connection: Stable broadband internet connection (minimum 1 Mbps upload/download)
• Browser Compatibility: Current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge browsers
• Software Updates: Devices must have current operating system and security updates
• Privacy Environment: Private, quiet location for confidential medical consultations

Telehealth Service Limitations & Scope

Telehealth services have inherent limitations that patients must understand:

• Physical Examination Limitations: Remote consultations cannot replace comprehensive physical examinations
• Diagnostic Constraints: Some conditions require in-person evaluation, laboratory tests, or imaging studies
• Emergency Exclusions: Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency or urgent medical situations
• Technology Failures: Technical issues may interrupt consultations and require rescheduling
• Geographic Restrictions: Services limited to patients physically located in California during consultations

Patient Consent & Telehealth Acknowledgments

Patients must provide informed consent for telehealth services:

• Informed Consent: Understanding of telehealth benefits, risks, and limitations
• Privacy Acknowledgment: Awareness that telehealth communications may be recorded for quality assurance
• Technology Risks: Understanding that technology failures may compromise care delivery
• Alternative Options: Acknowledgment that in-person visits remain available and may be recommended

6. Privacy & Confidentiality Protections

HIPAA Compliance & Protected Health Information

We maintain the highest standards of health information privacy and security:

• HIPAA Compliance: Full compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements
• PHI Protection: Comprehensive safeguards for all Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Minimum Necessary Standard: Access to PHI limited to minimum necessary for healthcare operations
• Business Associate Agreements: All third-party vendors required to sign HIPAA-compliant agreements

California Medical Information Act (CMIA) Compliance

Additional privacy protections under California state law:

• Enhanced Privacy Rights: Stronger privacy protections for California residents
• Consent Requirements: Explicit consent required for certain information disclosures
• Patient Access Rights: Enhanced rights to access and control medical information
• Breach Notification: Prompt notification of any privacy breaches affecting your information

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights

Your rights under California's comprehensive privacy law:

• Right to Know: Information about personal data collection, use, and sharing practices
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal and medical record requirements)
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Non-Discrimination: No discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

For complete privacy information, please review our comprehensive Privacy Policy.

7. Intellectual Property Rights & Content Usage

Our Proprietary Content & Materials

All content and materials provided by Healthy Livin Guide are protected by intellectual property laws:

• Copyrighted Materials: All website content, educational materials, forms, and documentation are copyrighted
• Trademark Protection: "Healthy Livin Guide" name, logos, and branding are protected trademarks
• Proprietary Systems: Our healthcare delivery systems, protocols, and methodologies are proprietary
• Clinical Content: Medical protocols, treatment guidelines, and clinical decision tools are proprietary

Permitted Use & Restrictions

Patients are granted limited rights to use our materials for personal healthcare purposes:

• Personal Use Only: Content may be used solely for your personal healthcare and educational purposes
• No Commercial Use: Prohibited from using our content for commercial purposes or business operations
• No Redistribution: Content may not be copied, distributed, or shared with third parties
• No Modification: Content may not be altered, modified, or adapted without written permission
• Attribution Required: Any permitted use must include proper attribution to Healthy Livin Guide

8. Limitation of Liability & Legal Protections

Healthcare Service Disclaimers

Limitation of Indirect Damages

Our liability is limited as follows under applicable law:

• Consequential Damages: We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• Lost Income: No liability for lost wages, business income, or economic losses
• Emotional Distress: Limited liability for emotional distress claims (subject to applicable law)
• Third-Party Actions: No liability for actions of third-party providers, facilities, or services

Technology & System Limitations

Technology-related limitations and disclaimers:

• System Availability: No guarantee of 100% system uptime or availability
• Technical Failures: Not liable for damages caused by system failures, internet outages, or technical issues
• Data Loss: While we maintain robust backup systems, we cannot guarantee against all data loss scenarios
• Cybersecurity: Despite strong security measures, no system is completely immune to cyber threats

Third-Party Provider Limitations

Limitations regarding third-party healthcare providers and services:

• Referral Providers: Not liable for care provided by referred specialists or facilities
• Laboratory Services: Not responsible for errors or delays by third-party laboratories
• Pharmacy Services: Limited liability for pharmacy errors or medication delivery issues
• Insurance Coverage: Not responsible for insurance coverage decisions or claim denials

Patient Non-Compliance Limitations

Limitations when patients do not follow medical recommendations:

• Treatment Non-Adherence: Not liable for outcomes when patients don't follow prescribed treatments
• Missed Appointments: Not responsible for health consequences of missed or cancelled appointments
• Incomplete Information: Not liable for decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate patient information
• Self-Medication: Not responsible for adverse effects from unauthorized medication changes

9. Dispute Resolution & Legal Procedures

Informal Resolution Process

We encourage resolving disputes through informal communication before formal procedures:

• Direct Communication: Contact our Patient Relations team to discuss concerns and potential resolutions
• 30-Day Resolution Period: We commit to investigating and responding to complaints within 30 days
• Escalation Process: Unresolved issues may be escalated to senior management or medical directors
• Documentation: All informal resolution attempts will be documented for reference

Formal Dispute Resolution

For disputes that cannot be resolved informally, formal procedures apply:

• Mediation Requirement: Disputes must first proceed through binding mediation
• Arbitration Process: Unresolved disputes subject to binding arbitration under California law
• Arbitrator Selection: Neutral arbitrators selected through American Arbitration Association
• Cost Allocation: Arbitration costs shared equally unless otherwise determined by arbitrator
• Final and Binding: Arbitration decisions are final and binding on all parties

Governing Law & Jurisdiction

Legal framework governing these terms and any disputes:

• California State Law: These terms governed by California state law and regulations
• Federal Compliance: Subject to applicable federal healthcare laws and regulations
• Venue: Any legal proceedings must be conducted in Los Angeles County, California
• Statute of Limitations: Claims must be brought within applicable California statute of limitations periods

10. Service Termination & Account Closure

Patient-Initiated Termination

Patients may terminate services at any time with proper notification:

• Written Notice: Termination requests must be submitted in writing to our Patient Relations team
• 30-Day Notice: Recommended 30-day advance notice to ensure proper care transition
• Medical Records Transfer: We will assist with transferring medical records to new healthcare providers
• Outstanding Obligations: All financial obligations must be satisfied before final termination
• Emergency Care: Emergency care will be provided during transition period as legally required

Provider-Initiated Termination

We may terminate services under specific circumstances with proper notice:

• Non-Payment: Continued non-payment of outstanding balances after collection efforts
• Non-Compliance: Repeated failure to follow medical recommendations or treatment plans
• Disruptive Behavior: Threatening, abusive, or disruptive behavior toward staff or other patients
• Fraudulent Activity: Insurance fraud, identity theft, or other fraudulent activities
• Legal Requirements: When continued care would violate legal or ethical obligations

Termination Process & Transition Care

Proper procedures ensure safe care transitions:

• Written Notification: 30-day written notice provided for non-emergency terminations
• Transition Period: Emergency care provided during 30-day transition period
• Referral Assistance: Help finding alternative healthcare providers when appropriate
• Medical Records: Complete medical records provided to patient or new provider
• Prescription Continuity: Temporary prescription refills provided during transition

11. Terms Updates & Policy Changes

These Terms & Conditions may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or industry standards:

Notification & Implementation Process

• Website Publication: Updated terms posted prominently on our website with effective dates clearly marked
• Patient Notification: Active patients notified of significant changes via email, patient portal, or mail
• 30-Day Notice Period: Major changes implemented 30 days after notification unless immediate compliance required by law
• Continued Service Consent: Continued use of services after effective date constitutes acceptance of updated terms
• Opt-Out Rights: Patients may terminate services if they disagree with updated terms

Version Control & Historical Access

• Version Dating: All terms versions clearly dated and archived for reference
• Historical Access: Previous versions available upon request for legal or reference purposes
• Applicable Version: Terms in effect at time of service delivery govern that specific interaction

12. Legal Contact Information

For legal questions, concerns, or formal notices regarding these Terms & Conditions: