These Terms & Conditions govern the text messaging program operated by Ian Purcell MD APC.
Terms covering the educational content of this website are in our Terms of Use. How we handle your information is described in our Privacy Policy.
Agreement to these terms
Ian Purcell MD APC (“the practice,” “we,” “us”) operates the otoneurology practice of Ian Purcell MD PhD and Monali Patel MD at 7625 Mesa College Drive, Suite 200A, San Diego, CA 92111. By giving us your mobile number and opting in to text messages, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not opt in.
Participation is optional and is never a condition of being seen, scheduling, or receiving any service or purchase from us. You must be 18 or older, or the parent or legal guardian of the patient, and you must be the subscriber of the mobile number you give us or have the subscriber’s permission.
Types of messages
If you opt in, you may receive:
- Appointment messages — confirmations, reminders, scheduling and rescheduling, check-in instructions, and arrival or parking details.
- Care-related messages — test preparation instructions, post-visit follow-up, forms we need from you, prescription and referral notifications, and notices that results are ready.
- Billing and account messages — balance notices, payment confirmations, and insurance or authorization updates.
- Marketing messages — occasional news about services, new testing or treatment offerings, clinic hours, and events.
- General two-way communication — replies to questions you text us during business hours.
Text messages are not a secure channel. Please do not text detailed health information, and do not use text messaging for anything urgent.
Texting cadence
Message frequency varies and depends on how you use the practice. Most patients receive roughly 2 to 8 messages per month: typically one to three messages around each scheduled appointment, plus occasional billing or practice messages. Marketing messages are sent no more than twice per month. You may receive more messages in a month with several appointments, and none at all in a month with no activity. Messages are sent only in response to your appointments, your account, or your own replies — we do not send on a fixed schedule.
Message and data rates
Msg frequency varies. Msg&data rates may apply.
We do not charge you for text messages, but your mobile carrier may charge you for messages sent and received depending on your plan. Contact your carrier with questions about your plan or charges. Message delivery is subject to your carrier and is not guaranteed. Carriers supported include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, Boost, U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS, and most other U.S. carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Opt-out instructions
Reply HELP for support. Reply STOP to opt out.
Reply STOP to any message to cancel. You will receive one final message confirming that you have been unsubscribed, and we will send no further texts to that number unless you opt in again. You may also opt out by calling the office at (858) 223-2172. Opting out of text messages does not affect your care, and we will continue to reach you by phone or mail.
Reply HELP to any message for help, or call the office at (858) 223-2172 during business hours.
Privacy policy
See our privacy policy for more information. Our Privacy Policy is posted at dizzydoctor.com/privacy-policy.html, and paper copies are available at the front desk. Consumer information is not shared with third-parties for marketing purposes, and no mobile information is shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. How we handle your medical records is described separately in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
How to opt in
You can opt in by signing the Patient Messaging Opt-In Agreement at the office, by telling a staff member on the phone, or by texting us first at (858) 223-2172. We keep a record of when and how you consented. We do not collect phone numbers or consent through this website.
Not for emergencies
Never use text messaging for a medical emergency. Messages are not monitored around the clock and may not be read for some time. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
No medical advice by text
Text messages are for scheduling and administrative communication. Nothing we send by text is medical advice, and exchanging messages with the practice does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Clinical questions are answered at a visit or by a clinician who knows your history.
Keeping your number current
Tell us if your mobile number changes or if you give up a number you had registered with us, so that messages intended for you are not sent to someone else.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms. The effective date above shows when they were last changed, and the current version is always posted at dizzydoctor.com/terms-and-conditions.html. Continuing to participate in the messaging program after a change means you accept the updated terms.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules.
Contact us
Ian Purcell MD APC
7625 Mesa College Drive, Suite 200A, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 223-2172
Fax: (858) 533-8397