TERMS OF SERVICE AGREEMENT

Last Updated: October 19, 2026

Welcome to the online services of Pacific Ocean Pediatrics.  These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, patient portal, mobile applications, and online communication services (collectively, the "Digital Services").

By accessing or using our Digital Services, you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms. If you are a parent or legal guardian accessing these services on behalf of a minor patient, you agree to these Terms individually and on behalf of your minor child.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT USE OUR DIGITAL SERVICES FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL NEEDS.

1. Scope of Digital Services & No Emergency Care

  • Informational Purpose: Content provided on our website or public portal is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Non-Emergency Use: Our patient portal and online message channels are for routine, non-urgent administrative and clinical communications only. Messages submitted electronically may not be viewed immediately.

2. Parent, Legal Guardian, and Minor Access (Pediatric Specifics)

  • Authorized Adult Users: Because our patients are minors, access to patient records and portal accounts must be established by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian with legal authority to make healthcare decisions for the minor child.

  • Minor Rights and Confidentiality: Under applicable state and federal laws, certain healthcare services provided to mature or emancipated minors (such as reproductive health, mental health, or substance use treatment) may be confidential by law. In such cases, parental or guardian access to specific portal features or medical records may be limited or restricted in compliance with governing legal standards.

  • Verification: We reserve the right to request proof of legal guardianship, custody agreements, or court orders prior to granting or maintaining portal access.

3. Patient Portal & Account Security

  • Account Credentials: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use or security breach involving your account.

  • Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information regarding yourself and the minor patient(s) you represent, including updated contact details, insurance information, and medical histories.

4. Telehealth Services (If Applicable)

  • Informed Consent: If you participate in telehealth visits via our Digital Services, you acknowledge that virtual care has inherent limitations compared to in-person evaluations. Separate informed consent agreements for telehealth treatment may be required prior to your appointment.

  • Geographic Scope: Our providers are licensed in specific jurisdictions. Telehealth services are only available to patients physically located within states where our providers hold active medical licenses at the time of care.

5. Privacy & HIPAA Compliance

  • Privacy Policy: Use of our Digital Services is also governed by our Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), which explains how Protected Health Information (PHI) is collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

  • Electronic Communications: Standard SMS text messaging and unencrypted email carry security risks. By requesting communication via standard text or email, you acknowledge and accept these inherent security risks.

6. Billing, Fees, and Payments

  • Financial Responsibility: You acknowledge that the parent or legal guardian scheduling care or managing the account is responsible for all copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, or non-covered services generated through or scheduled via the Digital Services.

  • Third-Party Payment Processors: Online payments made through our portal are processed by secure third-party payment providers. We do not store full credit card details on our local servers.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

All text, graphics, logos, images, software, and instructional content on our Digital Services are the property of the Practice or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any materials without our express written consent.

8. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Access or attempt to access another user’s or patient’s account or medical information.

  • Upload viruses, malware, or destructive code to our platforms.

  • Use our communication platforms to send abusive, harassing, unlawful, or defamatory content.

  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation, security, or network infrastructure of the Digital Services.

9. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

  • As-Is Basis: The Digital Services are provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

  • Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Practice and its clinicians, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or inability to use the Digital Services.

10. Termination of Portal Access

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to suspend or terminate your access to the Digital Services or Patient Portal at any time, with or without cause, including for violations of these Terms or non-compliance with practice operational policies. Termination of portal access does not automatically terminate the underlying clinician-patient relationship unless formally communicated separately in accordance with medical board regulations.

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Santa Monica, CA.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When updates occur, we will post the revised version with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Digital Services following such notice constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

Practice Contact Information

If you have questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at:

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics

Address: 2216 Santa Monica Blvd. #204, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Phone: 310-264-2100

Email: office@pacificoceanpediatrics.com