Terms of Service for
Empower Genetics, LLC
By using Empower Genetics’ website and/or counseling or consulting services, you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.
Services Provided
Empower Genetics provides genetic counseling and consulting services consistent with a genetic counselor’s scope of practice as defined by the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Empower Genetics does not provide medical advice. No content on the site, no consultation note, and no discussion via phone, videoconferencing, electronic communication, or any other manner is intended for medical diagnosis or treatment. Information provided through genetic counseling services should not be used as a reason to disregard previously given medical diagnoses or advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding any medical condition.
Genetic counselors affiliated with Empower Genetics are independent professionals. Any views or opinions expressed in their consultations, communications, or published materials reflect their own professional judgment and do not necessarily represent the views of Empower Genetics or any institutions with which they may be affiliated.
Personal Health Information (PHI)
Use of Empower Genetics’ services requires sharing PHI, including but not limited to your name, date of birth, email, telephone number, and credit card information. By using this site and/or Empower Genetics’ services, you acknowledge that you have reviewed our terms and accept that despite reasonable security measures, the security of your information can never be completely guaranteed.
Accurate Self-Representation
You agree not to misrepresent yourself when using this site and Empower Genetics’ services. You also agree not to share any confidential information about another person unless authorized. This includes but is not limited to relatives’ genetic testing reports and medical records. Additionally, you agree not to misrepresent your state of residence and/or the location of your telegenetic counseling appointment.
Importance of Accurate Reporting
Accurate reporting of personal and family health history, ethnicity, and previous genetic testing results is crucial for genetic counseling. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may result in an inaccurate risk assessment and incorrect recommendations. If you learn new or conflicting information after your consult, you are encouraged to share this information. Depending on the nature of the new information, another genetics consult may be indicated, which could incur additional fees.
Future Events
Future diagnoses for you or your family may impact risk assessment and recommendations. More or different genetic testing options may become available in the future, and medical management implications may change over time. You are responsible for following up with a healthcare professional regarding changes to family health history, genetic testing options, and related recommendations.
Payment for Services
A credit card is required to secure your appointment, unless a unique payment code is provided. There is no charge to reschedule or cancel an appointment if done more than 1 day prior to your scheduled appointment. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will be charged 50% of your consult fee. Carepatron is used for scheduling and collects names and credit card information for scheduling and payment purposes. Payment is processed by Stripe. Privacy policies for these services can be found on their respective websites. Empower Genetics does not accept insurance. You may submit a copy of your receipt to your insurer for possible reimbursement; however, Empower Genetics cannot advise on the potential reimbursement process.
Discussion with Healthcare Providers
Empower Genetics is a privately owned entity and is not affiliated with any hospital, medical center, or other healthcare institution. While sharing information discussed during your consult with your healthcare provider is encouraged, the responsibility for doing so lies with you. Empower Genetics will not reach out to your healthcare provider but will assist with appropriate coordination of care if your healthcare provider contacts Empower Genetics with your permission.
Minors
If you are a minor, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your consult.
Electronic Records and Communications
In addition to Carepatron, Empower Genetics continues to use secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace tools for specific workflows. This includes the use of Google Forms to receive physician referrals. Google Workspace is covered under a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
Empower Genetics does not keep physical records of your PHI; all records are stored in cloud-based systems with third parties with whom Empower Genetics has a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), including Carepatron HIPAA BAA, OmmDom Inc. (CancerGeneConnect), and Carepatron Health scheduling system. Despite measures taken to protect your information, security cannot be guaranteed. By using Empower Genetics services, you acknowledge and accept these risks to your privacy and the security of your information.
Electronic Communications
Videoconferencing
Carepatron video system videoconferencing system is used for Empower Genetics consults under the Carepatron HIPAA BAA.
Emails from Empower Genetics are part of Carepatron and are encrypted. However, Empower Genetics cannot be responsible for the security of any PHI sent through unencrypted email. By communicating over unencrypted email, you acknowledge and accept increased risks to your privacy and security of your information.
Phone
Empower Genetics uses VOIP services for voice transmissions. No PHI should be left in voicemails, and Empower Genetics is absolved of any responsibility for the privacy and security of ePHI left on voicemail.
Contact Forms and Chat on Website
No PHI should be sent through contact forms or unencrypted email. Empower Genetics is absolved of any responsibility for the privacy and security of ePHI sent through these mediums.
Jurisdiction and Legal Compliance
Empower Genetics complies with HIPAA and applicable state privacy laws, and any disputes related to services provided directly by Empower Genetics shall be governed by U.S. law. While third-party platforms may operate internationally, we require that they sign Business Associate Agreements affirming HIPAA compliance.
*By using our site, you acknowledge that you have reviewed our privacy practice policy and accept the Terms and Conditions outlined herein.