Privacy Policy
Kapa’a Pediatrics
Effective Date: 2/9/2026
Introduction
Kapa’a Pediatrics ("we," "us," or "our") operates a text message (SMS) based pediatric triage service. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information gathered through our SMS triage service. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and their families in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws.
Information We Collect
When you use our SMS triage service, we may collect the following information:
Contact Information: Your phone number, name, and your relationship to the patient.
Patient Information: Patient name, date of birth, and age.
Health Information: Symptoms described via text message, medical history relevant to the conversation, and any other health-related information you share during the triage conversation.
Message Records: The content of text messages exchanged between you and our triage system, including timestamps.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
To provide pediatric triage guidance based on the symptoms you describe
To identify and verify patient identity for continuity of care
To enable our nurses and physicians to review and respond to your health concerns
To maintain accurate medical records
To improve the quality and safety of our triage service
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
How We Protect Your Information
We implement appropriate technical and administrative safeguards to protect your information, including:
Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS) for all communications
Encrypted data storage
Access restricted to authorized clinical staff only
Audit trails for all access to patient information
Business Associate Agreements with all third-party service providers who handle protected health information
Third-Party Service Providers
We use the following third-party services to operate our SMS triage system. These providers act as Business Associates under HIPAA and are contractually required to protect your information:
Twilio: Provides SMS messaging infrastructure. Twilio transmits and temporarily processes text messages between you and our system.
Google Cloud Platform: Provides secure cloud computing infrastructure where your data is stored and processed.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information or health information with third parties for marketing purposes. We do not use your information for advertising.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access: Request a copy of the health information we have collected through the SMS triage service.
Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate information.
Opt Out: Stop using the SMS triage service at any time by texting STOP. This will stop all future messages from our service.
Request Restrictions: Ask us to limit how we use or disclose your information.
File a Complaint: File a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Data Retention
We retain triage conversation records as part of the patient's medical record in accordance with Hawaii state medical records retention requirements and HIPAA regulations. You may request deletion of your data by contacting us directly.
Children's Privacy
Our SMS triage service is designed for parents and guardians to communicate about their children's health. We do not knowingly collect information directly from children under 13. All communications are conducted with the parent or legal guardian.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the SMS triage service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact us at:
Kapa’a Pediatrics
4-1461 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a, HI 96746
Phone: 808-634-8011
Email: kp@kapaapediatrics.com
For HIPAA-related concerns, you may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at www.hhs.gov/ocr.