COMMUNICATION & ELECTRONIC MESSAGING POLICY

(Text, Email, and Online Form Requests)

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

International Vein & Skin Institute SC (“IVSI”), doing business as Vein & Skin Institute, offers several ways to contact our office, including telephone, text messaging, and online contact forms. The following explains how these communication methods are used and their limitations.

1. TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION

Our primary method of communication for medical matters is telephone.

📞 Main Office Number: (847) 518-9999

Telephone communication is the preferred method for:

• Medical questions

• Time-sensitive concerns

• Post-procedure issues

• Appointment changes requiring prompt confirmation

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

2. TEXT MESSAGING (INITIAL APPOINTMENT REQUESTS ONLY)

Text messaging is available only for initial appointment requests.

The public text number is not monitored for:

• Medical advice

• Urgent concerns

• Clinical questions

• Photo review

• Detailed medical information

Text messages:

• May not be encrypted

• Should not contain protected health information (PHI)

• Should not include symptoms, diagnoses, images, or medical history

By choosing to send a text message, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.

Established patients may receive secure communications through our clinical system when appropriate.

3. ONLINE CONTACT FORM / EMAIL REQUESTS

Submitting a contact form through our website or sending general email:

• Is intended for appointment requests or general inquiries

• Is not appropriate for urgent medical concerns

• May not be a secure form of communication

• Should not include detailed medical history, photographs, or sensitive health information

Submission of a contact form does not establish a physician–patient relationship.

Medical care and treatment recommendations are provided only after a formal evaluation.

4. RESPONSE TIMES

Our staff responds to calls, text messages, and form submissions during regular business hours.

We do not guarantee immediate response times.

If your concern is urgent, please call the office directly.

If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

5. PHYSICIAN–PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

Electronic communication alone does not establish a physician–patient relationship.

A physician–patient relationship is formed only after:

• A scheduled consultation, and

• A direct clinical evaluation by the physician

6. PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS

While IVSI takes reasonable measures to protect patient information, electronic communications outside our secure clinical system may not be encrypted.

By choosing to communicate via text message or online form, you acknowledge the potential privacy limitations of these methods.

CONTACT INFORMATION

📞 (847) 518-9999
📍 International Vein & Skin Institute
760 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068