Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the services of Garcia Family Medicine, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

These terms apply to all patients, visitors, and others who access or use our services, including our website, patient portal, and physical facilities. Your continued use of our services following any changes to these terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

2. Medical Services

Garcia Family Medicine provides Direct Primary Care services. Our services are not a substitute for health insurance and do not cover emergency care, hospitalization, or specialist services outside our practice. Patients are encouraged to maintain health insurance for services not covered by our Direct Primary Care membership.

Services Included

  • Comprehensive primary care services
  • Preventive care and wellness examinations
  • Chronic disease management
  • Acute illness treatment
  • Basic procedures and diagnostics
  • 24/7 access to your physician
  • Same-day or next-day appointments
  • Extended appointment times
  • Telehealth consultations
  • Care coordination with specialists

Important Notice

Direct Primary Care membership does not provide coverage for emergency services, hospitalization, specialist care, surgeries, or services provided outside our practice. We strongly recommend maintaining traditional health insurance for these services.

3. Patient Responsibilities

As a patient of Garcia Family Medicine, you agree to fulfill certain responsibilities to ensure effective healthcare delivery and maintain a positive therapeutic relationship.

4. Membership and Payment

Membership fees are due monthly and cover the services outlined in your membership agreement. Additional fees may apply for certain procedures, medications, or specialized services.

Payment Terms

  • Monthly membership fees are due on the same date each month
  • Accepted payment methods: credit card, debit card, HSA/FSA, ACH transfer
  • Late payments may result in service suspension after 30 days
  • Price changes will be communicated 30 days in advance
  • Family discounts available for multiple memberships
  • All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated
  • Membership can be paused for extended absences with notice

Additional Fees

Some services may incur additional fees beyond membership, including:

  • Specialized procedures not covered by membership
  • Certain injectable medications and vaccines
  • Third-party laboratory tests
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • After-hours home visits
  • Extended travel medicine consultations

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your medical information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Your protected health information will only be used or disclosed as permitted by law and with your authorization, except in emergency situations or as required by law. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal health information.

Our Privacy Commitments

  • Maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards
  • Limit access to your information to authorized personnel
  • Use encryption for electronic communications
  • Provide you with access to your medical records
  • Notify you of any breaches as required by law
  • Honor your preferences for communication methods

6. Appointment Cancellation

We request 24-hour notice for appointment cancellations to allow other patients access to care. Our cancellation policy ensures fair access to appointments for all patients.

Cancellation Policy

7. Limitation of Liability

Garcia Family Medicine and its providers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the provision of medical services, except as required by applicable law.

Legal Notice

This limitation applies to all claims, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory, and whether or not Garcia Family Medicine has been informed of the possibility of such damage. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Nothing in these terms shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded by law.

8. Termination

Either party may terminate the patient-physician relationship with 30 days written notice. We will provide emergency care and prescription refills during the notice period to ensure continuity of care.

Grounds for Immediate Termination

  • Threatening or abusive behavior toward staff or other patients
  • Violence or threat of violence
  • Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
  • Non-compliance with treatment that endangers health
  • Violation of controlled substance agreement
  • Repeated violation of practice policies
  • Non-payment of fees after 60 days and reasonable notice
  • Inappropriate use of after-hours access

Termination Process

Upon termination, we will:

  • Provide written notice of termination
  • Continue emergency care for 30 days
  • Provide prescription refills for 30 days
  • Transfer medical records upon request
  • Provide referrals to other providers
  • Return any unused portion of prepaid fees

9. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to patients via email or during visits. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Notification Process

  • Material changes communicated 30 days in advance
  • Notice provided via email to registered address
  • Updates posted on website and patient portal
  • Opportunity to discuss concerns before implementation
  • Right to terminate if you disagree with changes

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Agreement Acknowledgment

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our services.

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Revised: January 2025
Version: 2.0