Terms & Conditions of Use and Communications

Effective Date: April 9, 2026  |  Last Updated: April 9, 2026
Practice Name: Kern Surgical Associates  |  Physician: Dr. Jerry Cheriyan

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this website, submitting a form, or communicating with Kern Surgical Associates, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this website or submit information through it.

2. Purpose of Website

This website is provided for general informational, educational, and administrative purposes only.

The information on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

3. No Physician–Patient Relationship

Use of this website, submission of a form, or communication through this website does not create a physician–patient relationship.

A physician–patient relationship is established only after direct evaluation by a licensed provider and mutual agreement to provide care.

4. Medical Disclaimer

Content on this website is for general informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as medical advice for any individual condition or situation.

Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and medical decision-making.

5. Permitted Website Use

You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes. You agree not to:

• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Attempt to access systems without authorization
• Interfere with website security or functionality
• Use this website for unlawful, abusive, or inappropriate purposes

6. Communication Consent

By submitting your contact information, you consent to being contacted by Kern Surgical Associates for healthcare-related and administrative purposes, including appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, care coordination, and office communications.

We may contact you by:

• Phone
• Email
• SMS/text message, only if you explicitly opt in

Consent to communications is voluntary and is not required as a condition of receiving medical care.

7. SMS/Text Messaging Terms

7.1 SMS Opt-In Requirement

Kern Surgical Associates sends SMS/text messages only to individuals who provide consent. Patients may opt in by submitting a website form and explicitly checking an SMS consent checkbox. The checkbox is not pre-selected.

7.2 SMS Consent Checkbox Language

The following checkbox language appears on website forms that collect a mobile phone number:

The checkbox is unchecked by default.

7.3 SMS Disclosure Language

The following disclosure appears directly below the SMS checkbox:

7.4 Types of SMS Messages

If you opt in, you may receive SMS messages related to:

• Appointment scheduling
• Appointment reminders
• Pre-operative instructions
• Post-operative instructions
• Care coordination
• Administrative updates

Kern Surgical Associates does not send marketing or promotional messages by SMS.

7.5 Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary depending on your appointments, care needs, and interactions with the Practice.

7.6 Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.

7.7 Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying:

7.8 Help Instructions

For assistance, reply HELP or contact the office directly:

7.9 Mobile Data Use

Your mobile phone number and SMS consent information will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing purposes. SMS consent information will be used only for healthcare-related and administrative communications from Kern Surgical Associates.

7.10 Carrier Disclaimer

Mobile carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

8. Electronic Communication Risks

Electronic communications, including SMS, email, and website forms, may not be fully secure. You should not send highly sensitive medical information, urgent medical concerns, or emergency information by SMS, email, or website form.

For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

9. HIPAA Notice

Kern Surgical Associates maintains safeguards designed to protect patient information in accordance with applicable healthcare privacy requirements. For full information about how protected health information may be used and disclosed, please refer to the Practice's Notice of Privacy Practices.

10. Privacy Policy

Your use of this website is also governed by our Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information.

11. Third-Party Services

Kern Surgical Associates may use third-party service providers for website hosting, communication tools, scheduling support, form processing, analytics, or related operational functions. These vendors are expected to maintain appropriate privacy, security, and compliance safeguards.

12. Cookies and Website Technologies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality, improve performance, and enhance user experience. Use of this website may be subject to our cookie or consent banner where applicable.

13. Accessibility

Kern Surgical Associates is committed to maintaining a website that is accessible and usable for patients and visitors, including individuals with disabilities. If you experience difficulty accessing any part of this website, please contact us for assistance.

14. Intellectual Property

All website content, including text, graphics, logos, images, branding, and layout, is owned by or licensed to Kern Surgical Associates unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, or commercial use is prohibited.

15. Website Accuracy

We attempt to keep website information accurate and current. However, we do not guarantee that all information is complete, accurate, or up to date at all times. We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove website content at any time.

16. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Kern Surgical Associates is not responsible for:

• Errors or omissions in website content
• Delays in communication
• Undelivered SMS or email messages
• Temporary website downtime
• Technical issues outside our control
• Damages resulting from misuse of this website

17. Indemnification

You agree to hold harmless Kern Surgical Associates, its physicians, staff, contractors, and affiliates from claims arising out of your misuse of this website, submission of false information, or violation of these Terms.

18. California Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of California.

19. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the website after updates means you accept the revised Terms.

20. Contact Information