Terms of Service
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing our facilities, using our website at firstaustell.com, scheduling an appointment, or using any service provided by First Austell Medical Center ("the Practice," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").
If you are accessing services on behalf of a minor or a patient for whom you are a legal guardian, you agree to these Terms on that individual's behalf. If you do not agree to these Terms, please discontinue use of our services immediately.
Medical Services Provided
First Austell Medical Center provides family medical care to patients across all life stages — from newborns through elderly patients. Our services include but are not limited to:
- Preventive care, wellness exams, and annual physicals
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses
- Pediatric and geriatric care
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Management of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.)
- Women's health and reproductive healthcare
- Referrals to specialists and coordinated care
- Telehealth consultations (where available)
Patient Responsibilities
To ensure the highest quality of care for yourself and other patients, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, complete, and current information about your health history, medications, allergies, and insurance coverage.
- Notify us promptly of any changes to your personal information, contact details, or insurance status.
- Arrive on time for scheduled appointments and notify us at least 24 hours in advance of any cancellations.
- Treat all staff, providers, and fellow patients with respect and courtesy.
- Follow the treatment plans and medical guidance provided by your care team, and ask questions if you do not understand your care instructions.
- Accept responsibility for payment of services rendered, including co-pays, deductibles, and any amounts not covered by insurance.
- Bring all current medications (or a current medication list) to every appointment.
Appointments & Cancellations
Appointments may be scheduled by calling our office, through our patient portal, or via our website. Please review the following policies:
- Cancellations: We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to other patients in need.
- No-Show Policy: Patients who miss two or more appointments without prior notice may be subject to a no-show fee and may be required to reschedule non-urgent visits.
- Late Arrivals: Patients arriving more than 15 minutes late may be asked to reschedule, at the discretion of the provider, to avoid delays for other patients.
- Same-Day Appointments: We strive to accommodate urgent same-day needs. Please call our office early in the day for the best availability.
Billing & Payments
First Austell Medical Center participates with many major insurance plans. It is your responsibility to verify that our practice is in-network with your insurance provider prior to your visit.
- Co-pays & Deductibles: Co-pays and applicable deductibles are due at the time of service.
- Insurance Billing: We will submit claims to your primary and secondary insurance on your behalf. You are responsible for any balance not covered by your insurance.
- Uninsured Patients: Payment in full is expected at the time of service. Please speak with our billing team to discuss available payment arrangements.
- Statements: You will receive a statement for any outstanding balance after your insurance has processed the claim. Balances are due within 30 days of the statement date.
- Collections: Accounts unpaid after 90 days may be referred to a collections agency. We encourage you to contact us early to discuss payment plans.
For billing questions, please contact our billing department directly. We are committed to working with you to resolve any financial concerns.
Privacy & HIPAA Compliance
First Austell Medical Center is fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws.
- Your Protected Health Information (PHI) will only be used and disclosed as permitted by law and as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices, available at our office and on our website.
- We will not sell your personal health information to third parties.
- You have the right to access your medical records, request corrections, and request an accounting of disclosures.
- Communications through our patient portal are encrypted and secured. Please do not use unsecured email to transmit sensitive health information.
To receive a full copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices, please ask any member of our front desk team or visit our website.
Telehealth Services
Where available, First Austell Medical Center offers telehealth consultations for eligible patients and conditions. By participating in a telehealth visit, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Telehealth services are provided via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You are responsible for ensuring your own device and internet connection are private and secure during visits.
- Not all medical conditions are appropriate for telehealth. Your provider will determine whether an in-person visit is necessary.
- Telehealth visits are subject to the same billing and insurance policies as in-person visits.
- Technical difficulties do not guarantee a refund or waiver of fees; however, we will make every effort to reschedule at no additional charge if a session cannot be completed.
- You must be physically located in the state of Georgia during a telehealth visit, unless otherwise authorized by applicable law.
Website & Patient Portal Use
The First Austell Medical Center website and patient portal are provided for informational and administrative purposes. By using our website, you agree to the following:
- Content on this website is intended for general health information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
- You will not use the website for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, or impair the website or its functionality.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your patient portal login credentials. Do not share your username or password.
- Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those external sites.
- We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the website or portal at any time without notice.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, First Austell Medical Center, its physicians, staff, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or related to your use of our website, patient portal, or services.
Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under applicable Georgia or federal law.
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices. When we make material changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
- Post a notice on our website or patient portal.
- In some cases, notify you directly via email or written notice.
Your continued use of our services after any changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Cobb County, Georgia, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.
You agree to first contact us at the information below and attempt to resolve any dispute informally before initiating formal proceedings.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to these Terms of Service, your privacy rights, or your care at First Austell Medical Center, please reach out to us through any of the following channels:
Get in Touch
Our team is here to help answer any questions about your care or these Terms.
Austell, Georgia, USA