By agreeing to these terms and conditions, I acknowledge that I am requesting Sutter Health to release my personal health information, including test results, to my online personal health record and to grant me access to my online personal health record, including the ability to communicate with my health care team concerning my health information via the Internet using Sutter Health's application. I understand that medical clinicians are prohibited by California law from releasing certain test results to me electronically and consequently I may not be able to access all of my health information online in my personal health record. I understand that Sutter Health or any of Sutter Health's affiliates reserves the right to limit or discontinue my use of the online patient services if I do not abide by these terms and conditions or at the sole discretion of Sutter Health.
Privacy and Security Policy
Sutter Health and its affiliates consider the privacy of your health information to be one of the most important elements in our relationship with you. Our responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of your health information is one that we take very seriously.
The following notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review carefully:
Summary of Requirements
- e-Messaging should never be used for urgent matters.
- A valid and functional e-mail address must be provided.
- Login ID and password should not be shared with anyone. Use of Sutter Health's online patient services is for accessing my own individual health information or for authorized access to health information of someone in my care.
Use of Online Patient Services
I understand that Sutter Health's online patient services should never be used for urgent matters.
I acknowledge the anticipated turnaround time for response to electronic messages is 1 to 2 business days.
I understand that I have opted into a service that provides electronic interaction with my clinician.
I understand that electronic interaction with my clinician is not recorded but images may be captured to assist in my care. I understand that I am prohibited from recording electronic interaction with my clinician.
I understand that attachments or image captures may be used to assist in communications with a clinician and should not be used as a substitute for in person consultation with a clinician or in lieu of seeking emergency services.
For all urgent matters that I believe may immediately affect my health or well-being, I will, without delay, contact my clinician, and/or go to the emergency department of a local hospital, and/or dial 911.
I understand that my health care team may send me secure e-Messages via my account. These messages may contain information that is important to my health and medical care. It is my responsibility to monitor these messages. By entering my valid and functional e-mail address, I have enabled Sutter Health or any of Sutter Health's affiliates to notify me of messages sent to my My Health Online Inbox. I understand that maintaining my current contact information with Sutter Health's online patient services is my responsibility and I will update my e-mail address on my account as needed.
I acknowledge that the purpose of messaging my healthcare team is solely for matters related to my personal health. If I need to communicate with the care team regarding another patient's care, I understand that proxy access for that specific patient is required. I agree not to send messages to my care team concerning another patient.
I agree to not upload any attachments which violate any copyright laws, international or otherwise, or attach images which depict pornography or any material deemed in any manner illegal or unauthorized by state or federal laws or regulations and which are not related to my own personal clinical care except for those for which I have legal proxy access.
I hereby agree to hold harmless Sutter Health, any of Sutter Health's affiliates, Clinicians under contract to a Sutter Health affiliate, hereafter known as the "Service Provider," and their shareholders, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents for, from and against any claim, loss, liability, cost and expense (including, without limitation, costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys' fees), directly or indirectly relating to, resulting from or arising out of any action or failure to act arising out of this Agreement, including but not limited to those resulting from messages that I fail to read in a timely manner, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by Sutter Health or any of Sutter Health's affiliates or its officers, directors, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and shall be governed by, the procedural and substantive laws of the State of California. In the event any term, provision, interpretation, or application of this Agreement is deemed to be invalid, inoperable, or unenforceable for any reason, I agree and understand that only that term, provision, interpretation, or application be rendered invalid, inoperable, or unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be construed or rewritten as to permit its applicability and enforceability to the full extent deemed permitted by law, and the remaining terms, provisions, interpretations, and applications shall not be affected and shall remain effective and fully enforceable.
Electronic Communication
Sutter Health may send you secure messages through My Health Online that contain confidential medical information and other information important to the maintenance of your health. All communications through My Health Online take place via a secure Internet connection and are subject to state and federal laws protecting medical information. You will receive electronic mail notifying you that new information is available on My Health Online, but these emails will not contain any confidential medical information.
Communication Methods and SMS/Texting Acknowledgment
I understand that when permitted by applicable statutes, regulations and other laws (together, “Laws”), I may receive communication through automated emails, voice mails, written and/or electronic statements, text messages, autodialed calls and pre-recorded messages for appointment, billing and health care-related purposes. I agree the Foundation, Sutter Health or its affiliates and agents may use the wireless number(s) and/or residential lines that I have provided (or will provide) to send text messages relating to my health care or billing for such care. I understand that these communications could result in charges to me by my mobile service provider and are not encrypted. I verify that any phone information provided to Sutter Health is true and accurate, and that I am the current subscriber or owner of any telephone number that I provide. Further, I understand that I am not required to opt-in to receiving text messages as part of my health care treatment and I may modify my communication preferences, either through My Health Online (MHO) account or by contacting Sutter Health directly. By agreeing to these terms, I agree to Sutter’s use of SMS messaging.
I understand that text messages from Sutter Health will relate to my relationship with Sutter Health and include updates about my visits, My Health Online account, one-time passcode, billing notifications, prescription reminders, and other care management text messages.
I acknowledge and am aware that there are privacy and security risks associated with text messaging as text messaging is not a 100% secure means of communicating and text messages can be intercepted, altered, or lost in transmission. For example, if I misplace, lose or allow others to use your mobile device, other people might be able see text messages that are intended to be private. It is my responsibility to understand the risks of receiving text messages on my mobile device.
Sutter will use reasonable means to protect the privacy and security of text messages sent and received by Sutter Health and its affiliates. However, Sutter cannot guarantee the privacy and security of text messaging. This program is not meant for clinical purposes. My Health Online and text messaging should not be used for urgent issues or emergencies. If I have an urgent issue, I will call my primary care provider or go to the nearest Emergency Department. My Health Online and text messaging is not intended to replace or to serve as a substitute for in-person meetings and/or personal conversations with your physician. If My Health Online is unavailable, I will use other means to contact your health care team for non-urgent matters.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. I waive any and all claims that may arise against the Sutter Health, employees, contractors and interns resulting from the use or misuse of text messaging. Additionally, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to me from Sutter Health and vice versa. If I have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact my wireless provider. The frequency of messages may vary.
If I want to opt-out of SMS messages, I can text STOP in response to a Sutter text message. I will receive one final message confirming that I have been unsubscribed. After opting out, I won’t receive any more SMS messages from the short code I opted out from. If I ever decide to join again, I can sign up using My Health Online or text HELP to the short code for instructions.
If I experience any issues with the messaging program, I can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance. Alternatively, I can seek direct help by contacting (800) 4Sutter or emailing mhosupport@sutterhealth.org.
Please note that all My Health Online and text message communications may become part of your SHC health record. However, any electronic communication does not constitute a formal addendum or amendment to your existing medical records and may not be considered part of your designated record set at Sutter Health. To request an addendum or amendment of my medical records, I should contact Sutter Health’s Health Information Management.
Login ID and Password
I understand that I must create a unique Login Identification (ID) code and password to be used to access my health information. Inquiries and entries that I make will be logged with my identity.
I understand that it is extremely important that I keep my Login ID and password to my account completely confidential. If at any time I feel that the confidentiality of my password has been compromised, I will change it by going to the Password link on the website. I understand that the Service Provider takes no responsibility for and disclaims any and all liability or consequential damages arising from a breach of health record confidentiality resulting from my sharing or losing my password. If the Service Provider discovers that I have inappropriately shared my password with another person, or that I have misused or abused my online access privileges in any way, my participation may be discontinued by the Service Provider without prior notice.
I understand that I must not share my Login ID and/or Password with any other website, party, or vendor (for example, a mobile app or website that collects and displays health information). In doing so, I hold myself accountable for any interaction this has between My Health Online and the 3rd party and do not hold Sutter or its affiliates liable for my personal information and/or patient information for being accessed by the 3rd party and what they do with this information.
Verification of Identity
I understand that my enrollment is contingent on verification of my identity either in person or by comparing my signature provided on the Release of Information form with my signature in my health record.
Deactivation of My Account
I understand that my account may be deactivated upon my request or at the discretion of Sutter Health or any of Sutter Health's affiliates for failure to meet these Terms and Conditions.
Disclaimer
I understand that my account may not be available to me at all times due to unanticipated system failures, back-up procedures, maintenance, or other causes beyond the control of the Service Provider. Access is provided on an "as-is as-available" basis and the Service Provider does not guarantee that I will be able to access my account at all times. During times when my account is unavailable, other communication methods (e.g., telephone) should be used to contact my Service Provider.
I understand that the Service Provider takes no responsibility for and disclaims any and all liability arising from any inaccuracies or defects in software, communication lines, the virtual private network, the Internet or my Internet Service Provider (ISP), access system, computer hardware or software, or any other service or device that I use to access my account.
Patient Entered Data and Questionnaires
I understand that from time to time I may be asked to complete satisfaction surveys and questionnaires about my health status or condition. Sutter Health or any of Sutter Health's affiliates may analyze information submitted via these surveys and questionnaires as part of descriptive (demographic) studies and reports. The answers to these questionnaires may also be used to meet regulatory and payer compliance, as well as in quality improvement efforts. In such cases, personal identifying information will be removed when it is appropriate to do so. I understand that my answers will not be reviewed immediately and may not be specifically viewed by my medical provider. Shared data and answers cannot be used to determine an emergency. if at any time you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
User / Device Data Collection
I understand that in some situations I can choose to connect my personal device(s) (such as mobile phones, pedometers, or heart rate monitors) to My Health Online via a data interface. Any information collected or retained in this way will be used only to facilitate my health care and will not be disclosed, sold, or otherwise provided to any party not involved in my healthcare, unless required by law. Any information provided may be made part of my permanent clinical health record.
Apple HealthKit and Google Fit integration enables the voluntary sharing of certain medical information from your device to your Sutter provider. Answering questionnaires and surveys about my health conditions enable voluntary sharing of information about your health status or condition. Any shared data and questionnaire answers are not reviewed or monitored on any routine basis. Any received data and questionnaire answers may be evaluated during appointments or other encounters determined by the provider. Shared data cannot be used to determine an emergency – if at any time you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Connections to other Healthcare Organizations
Some features may allow you to connect your record at other healthcare organizations and/or navigate from My Health Online to non-Sutter websites. While Sutter Health follows federal and state laws to provide equal access to people with disabilities, content imported from other organizations or non-Sutter websites that you visit from My Health Online may not follow the same guidelines. Sutter Health is not responsible for the accessibility of content provided by non-Sutter providers. If you have any issues with accessibility of non-Sutter content, please contact that provider directly.