Privacy Policy for Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center

Effective Date: [12/3/2024]

At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center (“we,” “our,” or “us”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of personal and health-related information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the steps you can take to control your data.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting our website, engaging with our services, or submitting personal information, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect both personal and non-personal information to provide the best care and services. The types of information we may collect include:

Personal Information:

Contact Information: Includes your name, email address, phone number, and other details you voluntarily provide when interacting with our website (e.g., scheduling appointments, making inquiries, etc.).
Health Information: Includes medical history, diagnoses, test results, and other health-related details that are necessary for providing healthcare services.
Insurance Information: To verify your coverage and process payments.

Non-Personal Information:

Usage Data: This includes information about your browser type, IP address, pages visited on our site, and the time spent on each page. We use this data to improve the functionality and performance of our website.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your user experience. Cookies help us remember your preferences, analyze traffic patterns, and tailor the website to your needs. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Providing Healthcare Services: To communicate with you, schedule appointments, provide medical care, and follow-up on treatments and test results.
Improving Our Services: To analyze usage trends and optimize our website and healthcare services.
Marketing and Communication: If you have opted into receiving newsletters or updates, we may use your contact information to send you information related to our services, special offers, or health-related tips. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: To comply with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA) and other legal obligations.

3. TCR Compliance (Telemedicine Communication Regulations)

At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center, we comply with the Telemedicine Communication Regulations (TCR) for all SMS communications, especially for telemedicine consultations and appointments. Our commitment to maintaining privacy and complying with industry standards is outlined below:

Key Elements of TCR Compliance:

Registration Requirement: We are registered with the Telemedicine Communication Regulations (TCR) to ensure that our SMS communications meet the required legal standards.
Opt-Out Information: Every SMS message you receive from us will include instructions on how to opt-out of future communications. To unsubscribe, simply reply with “STOP.” We respect your preferences and will honor your request immediately.
Clear Purpose of SMS: Each SMS message will clearly indicate its purpose, such as appointment reminders, consultation confirmations, or test result notifications. You will always know why the message is being sent.

Examples of SMS Communications:

“Reminder: Your telemedicine appointment with Atlantic Endocrinology is scheduled for [Date/Time]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
“Thank you for booking your consultation with Atlantic Endocrinology. Your appointment is confirmed for [Date/Time]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

4. How We Protect Your Information

We take appropriate measures to safeguard your personal information and health data:

Data Encryption: All sensitive information, including health data, is encrypted during transmission over the internet to prevent unauthorized access.
Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to your personal information. Our staff is trained in privacy protection and must adhere to strict guidelines regarding data security.
Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security audits to ensure that our data storage and handling practices meet industry standards and comply with privacy regulations.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following situations:

With Service Providers: We may share your data with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in providing healthcare services, such as appointment scheduling, lab tests, or payment processing. These vendors are required to protect your information in accordance with our privacy policy.
For Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to legal processes (e.g., subpoenas or court orders).

6. Your Rights

As a patient and website user, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: You may request access to the personal and health information we have on file for you.
Correction: You can request corrections if any of your personal details are inaccurate or incomplete.
Deletion: You have the right to request that we delete your personal data, subject to legal and regulatory exceptions (e.g., required by law for medical records retention).
Opt-Out of Communications: If you no longer wish to receive marketing communications, you can opt-out by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email communication or replying “STOP” to SMS messages.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites that are not operated by Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external websites you visit.

8. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at the contact information below.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal obligations. When we make changes, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center
Phone: (718) 275-2900