Policies & Notices

At Lake Shore Therapy Group, we are committed to transparency, confidentiality, and clear communication. Below you’ll find important information about your rights and our policies under the No Surprises Act, how we handle your personal information, and how we communicate with clients via text message.

No Surprises Act (Good Faith Estimate)

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected charges for non-emergency items or services. This law is designed to protect clients from unexpected medical bills and ensure you understand the potential cost of your care before you receive services.

Your Rights:

• You have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate at least one business day before your scheduled service.

• The estimate will include expected costs for therapy sessions, assessments, and any other related services we provide.

• If you receive a bill that is $400 or more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.

What This Means for You:

Before starting therapy, we’ll review our session fees and estimated costs so you can make informed decisions about your care. If you request a written estimate, we will provide it to you in compliance with federal law.

For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Privacy Policy (HIPAA Notice)

Your privacy is a top priority at Lake Shore Therapy Group. We follow all federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to protect your personal health information (PHI).

How We Use and Share Information:

• We use your health information to provide treatment, coordinate care, and manage administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling, billing, or insurance claims).

• We may share information with other providers or insurance companies only as permitted or required by law.

• We will not share your information for marketing purposes or sell your data under any circumstances.

Your Rights:

• You may request copies of your records or ask that corrections be made.

• You have the right to request restrictions on how your information is used or shared.

• You may request a list of disclosures we’ve made of your PHI.

• You can revoke consent for communication or information sharing at any time, unless required by law.

If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact us directly. We are committed to maintaining your confidentiality and will respond promptly to any concerns.

Text Messaging Policy

We offer text messaging as a convenient way to communicate about appointments, scheduling, and general inquiries. To protect your privacy and ensure compliance with HIPAA, please review the following guidelines:

Consent:

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages from Lake Shore Therapy Group regarding scheduling, reminders, or administrative matters.

Limitations:

• Text messages are not a secure form of communication. Please avoid sharing personal or sensitive information (such as mental health details or diagnoses) via text.

• Texting is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for emergencies.

• If you prefer not to receive text messages, you may opt out at any time by notifying our office.

For urgent matters, please call our office directly or contact emergency services (dial 911) if you are in crisis.

Reach Out:

Phone: (815)-496-0620

Email: intake@lakeshoretherapygroup.com

Privacy Policy & No Surprise Act