Privacy Policy
Effective Date: September 15, 2026
Last Updated: September 15, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Divergent Dermatology and Aesthetics (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects information in connection with your use of divergentderm.com (the “Website”) and our related patient communications, including text messaging.
By using our Website or providing your information to us, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms described here, please do not use our Website or provide us with your information.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
● Contact Information: Name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
● Appointment and Scheduling Information: Information you provide when requesting or scheduling an appointment.
● Health Information: Information related to your care that you provide directly to us, such as through intake forms, or that is created in the course of treatment. This information is also protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices.
● Billing and Payment Information: Insurance details and payment information necessary to process billing.
● Website Usage Information: Information collected automatically when you visit our Website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referring URLs, which may be collected through cookies and similar technologies.
● Communications: Information you provide when you contact us by phone, email, text message, or through our Website.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
● Provide, schedule, and manage your care and treatment;
● Communicate with you about appointments, results, and your care;
● Process billing and payments;
● Respond to your inquiries and requests;
● Improve our Website and services;
● Comply with legal and regulatory obligations; and
● Send communications you have consented to receive, including text messages as described below.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand where our visitors come from. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, though doing so may affect the functionality of the Website.
4. Text Messaging
Divergent Dermatology and Aesthetics respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information in connection with our SMS (text message) communications.
When you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive SMS messages from Divergent Dermatology and Aesthetics, the messages we send will depend on the services you receive and the consent you provide. These may include: appointment confirmations, reminders, and scheduling updates; links to intake forms and medical questionnaires; lab, pathology, and test result notifications; prescription and refill notifications; billing and payment notifications and reminders; patient care notes and updates; and requests for reviews or feedback about your experience. Where you have separately opted in, we may also send marketing or promotional messages about our practice and services.
Some message types require separate consent, and you may opt in to or out of different categories of messages independently where that option is offered. Marketing and promotional messages are sent only to patients who have separately consented to receive them, and consenting to those messages is never a condition of treatment.
SMS message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and the types of messages you have consented to receive. Message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. You may reply START to resubscribe or HELP for assistance.
Your mobile phone number and SMS consent information are used to provide the text-message communications you have consented to receive and related patient services. SMS consent is not a condition of treatment.
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS consent information with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except the service providers described below who help us deliver these messages.
We may use service providers that assist in delivering SMS messages on our behalf. These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
Please note that SMS is not a secure or encrypted method of communication. Standard text messages are not encrypted, and anyone with access to your mobile device may be able to view them. Please do not include sensitive medical or financial information in your replies to our text messages. To provide medical or financial information, use the secure links in our messages, such as intake forms, payment notifications, or questionnaires, or contact our office directly.
You are responsible for notifying us if your mobile phone number changes or is reassigned.
By opting in to receive SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to these SMS terms and privacy practices.
If you have questions about our SMS communications or this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy.
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:
● Service Providers: Third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as scheduling platforms, payment processors, and SMS/text messaging providers, subject to confidentiality obligations;
● Business Associates: As permitted or required under HIPAA in connection with treatment, payment, and healthcare operations;
● Legal and Regulatory Authorities: Where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Practice, our patients, or others.
6. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or mobile networks, and no method of electronic storage, is completely secure. As noted above, standard text messages are not encrypted.
7. Your Choices
● Text Messages: You may opt out at any time by replying STOP, as described in Section 4.
● Cookies: You may adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies.
● Access to Health Information: Requests to access, amend, or receive an accounting of disclosures of your protected health information should be directed to us in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our Website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Website.
9. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our Website or continued consent to receive text messages after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our SMS communications, please contact us at:
Divergent Dermatology and Aesthetics
Address: 19785 Crystal Rock Drive Ste 208, Germantown, MD 20874
Phone Number: 240-813-8215
Email Address: divergentdermatology@gmail.com
Website: divergentderm.com