Website Legal Disclaimer

Effective Date: 02/14/2026
Practice Name: IRIAMAR VELEZ QUINONES, MD
Location: Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Welcome to the website of Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Legal Disclaimer.

1. No Medical Advice

The content on this website, including text, graphics, blog posts, videos, downloads, and educational materials, is provided for general informational purposes only.

Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider in Puerto Rico.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Do not delay seeking professional medical care based on information obtained from this website.

2. No Physician–Patient Relationship

Use of this website, including submitting contact forms, sending emails, texting, using WhatsApp, or interacting via social media, does not establish a physician–patient relationship.

A physician–patient relationship is only formed after:

Completion of required intake and consent documentation
Acceptance by the Practice
Direct evaluation by a licensed provider in Puerto Rico (in-person or through approved telehealth services)

3. Medical Emergencies

This website and all electronic communications channels (including email, SMS/text messaging, WhatsApp, and social media messaging) are not appropriate for medical emergencies.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

4. Compliance with Laws and Licensing

All physicians and healthcare providers at Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD are licensed to practice medicine in Puerto Rico and operate in accordance with applicable regulations of:

The Puerto Rico Department of Health
The Puerto Rico Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
Applicable federal healthcare laws, including HIPAA

Telehealth services, if offered, are provided in accordance with Puerto Rico law and applicable federal regulations.

5. Blog and Educational Content Disclaimer

Our blog, newsletters, FAQs, and educational materials are intended for general informational purposes only and reflect medical knowledge at the time of publication.

These materials are not individualized medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation.

User comments on blog posts do not establish a physician–patient relationship. We reserve the right to edit or remove comments at our discretion.

6. Social Media Disclaimer

Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD may maintain professional accounts on social media platforms (including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, or similar platforms).

Informational Purposes Only

Information shared on social media is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Public Nature of Social Media

Social media platforms are public forums. Do not post personal medical information or protected health information (PHI) on our social media pages.

Direct Messaging

We do not provide diagnosis or treatment via social media messaging. Direct messaging does not establish a physician–patient relationship.

7. Text Messaging (SMS) Communications

If you opt in to receive text messages from Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD, you consent to receive SMS communications related to:

Appointment reminders
Scheduling updates
Administrative notifications
Limited care coordination

Not for Emergencies

Text messaging is not monitored continuously and is not appropriate for urgent medical issues.

Privacy Risks

Standard SMS messaging may not be fully secure. By opting in, you acknowledge and accept potential privacy risks associated with electronic communications.

Opt-Out

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP or contacting our office.

Consent to receive text messages is not required as a condition of receiving medical treatment.

8. WhatsApp Communications

Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD may offer communication via WhatsApp for patient convenience.

Voluntary Participation

Use of WhatsApp is voluntary. By communicating via WhatsApp, you acknowledge the inherent privacy and security risks associated with third-party messaging applications.

Privacy Considerations

Although WhatsApp offers encryption, it is not a substitute for a secure patient portal unless explicitly stated by the Practice. Messages may be stored on your device or cloud backups outside our control.

Do not use WhatsApp for:

Medical emergencies
Urgent medical concerns
Transmission of highly sensitive medical information

WhatsApp messages are not monitored 24/7.

9. Email Communications

Email communication may not be secure. By contacting us via email, you acknowledge and accept associated privacy risks.

Email should not be used for urgent or emergency matters.

10. HIPAA and Privacy

We are committed to protecting patient privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable Puerto Rico laws.

Please review our separate:

Privacy Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices

Electronic communications outside secure portals may carry inherent privacy risks.

11. External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of those websites.

12. Testimonials

Patient testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not guarantees of specific outcomes. Results may vary.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on this website is the property of Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD unless otherwise noted and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws.

Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted under the laws of Puerto Rico and applicable federal law, Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD, its physicians, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for damages arising from the use of this website or electronic communications.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Legal Disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and applicable federal law. Any disputes arising from the use of this website shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Puerto Rico.

16. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify this Legal Disclaimer at any time. Changes are effective upon posting to this website.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 02/14/2026
Practice Name: Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD
Location: Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website or communicate with us electronically.

1. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through:

Our website
Online contact forms
Appointment request forms
Email communications
SMS/text messaging
WhatsApp communications
Social media interactions
Online advertising or marketing tools

This Privacy Policy does not replace our separate Notice of Privacy Practices, which describes how we use and disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA.

2. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

Full name
Phone number
Email address
Mailing address
Date of birth (if submitted)
Insurance information (if submitted)
Appointment details
Messages or inquiries

If you submit medical information through forms or communications, that information may become Protected Health Information (PHI) subject to HIPAA.

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical data, such as:

IP address
Browser type
Device type
Pages visited
Date and time of visit
Referring website

This information is used for website performance, analytics, and security purposes.

C. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to:

Improve website functionality
Analyze traffic patterns
Enhance user experience

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, certain features of the website may not function properly.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use collected information to:

Respond to inquiries
Schedule appointments
Send appointment reminders
Provide administrative communications
Improve website functionality
Comply with legal obligations
Protect against fraud or unauthorized activity

If you become a patient, your medical information will be handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA.

4. Electronic Communications

A. Email Communications

Email may not be fully secure. By communicating with us via email, you acknowledge and accept potential privacy risks.

Email should not be used for urgent or emergency matters.

B. SMS/Text Messaging

If you opt in to receive SMS communications:

You consent to receive appointment reminders and administrative messages.
Message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out by replying STOP.
SMS messaging may not be fully secure.

Consent to receive text messages is not required as a condition of treatment.

C. WhatsApp Communications

If you choose to communicate with us via WhatsApp:

Participation is voluntary.
WhatsApp is a third-party platform and may store data outside our control.
Messages are not continuously monitored.
WhatsApp should not be used for emergencies or highly sensitive information.

Although WhatsApp uses encryption, it is not a substitute for a secure patient portal unless explicitly stated.

5. Social Media

Our website may link to social media platforms. Interactions on social media are governed by the privacy policies of those platforms.

Information posted publicly on social media is not protected or confidential.

6. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information:

With healthcare providers involved in your care (if you are a patient)
With service providers who assist in website hosting, IT services, or communication systems
As required by law
To protect rights, safety, or property

All business associates handling Protected Health Information are required to comply with HIPAA standards.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information.

However, no website or electronic transmission system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

Fulfill the purposes described in this policy
Comply with legal obligations
Maintain appropriate medical records (as required by Puerto Rico and federal law)

9. Your Rights

Depending on applicable laws, you may have rights to:

Request access to your personal information
Request corrections
Request limitations on certain uses

Patients have additional rights under HIPAA as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13 without parental involvement. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the website without appropriate consent.

12. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and applicable federal law.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Iriamar Velez Quinones, MD
Urb. Garcia, 60 Calle 16
Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612
Phone: 787-878-3211
Email: ivelez@iriamarvelezmd.com