Privacy Policy
Your privacy and the security of your health information is our highest priority. Learn how we protect and handle your personal data.
🔒 Privacy Overview
At PCP.CARE, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our healthcare platform and services.
🛡️ Our Privacy Commitment
We implement industry-leading security measures and strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations to ensure your health information remains private and secure. Your trust is essential to our mission of providing exceptional healthcare services.
This policy applies to all information collected through our website, mobile applications, telehealth services, and any related communications. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
📊 Information We Collect
🏥 Health Information
As a healthcare provider, we collect and maintain various types of health information necessary to provide you with quality medical care:
- Medical History: Previous illnesses, surgeries, medications, and treatments
- Current Health Status: Symptoms, vital signs, test results, and diagnoses
- Treatment Information: Care plans, prescriptions, and provider notes
- Insurance Information: Coverage details and billing information
- Emergency Contacts: Family members or designated contacts
👤 Personal Information
We collect personal information necessary for account management and service delivery:
- Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, Social Security number
- Contact Information: Address, phone numbers, email addresses
- Account Information: Username, password, security preferences
- Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address
💻 Technical Information
Our systems automatically collect certain technical information to improve our services:
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, feature usage patterns
- Network Information: IP address, connection type, general location
- Performance Data: Loading times, error reports, system performance
🎯 How We Use Your Information
🩺 Healthcare Services
Your health information is primarily used to provide comprehensive medical care:
- Treatment: Diagnosing conditions, developing care plans, prescribing medications
- Care Coordination: Communicating with specialists and other healthcare providers
- Appointment Management: Scheduling, reminders, and follow-up care
- Telehealth Services: Remote consultations and virtual care delivery
- Emergency Care: Providing critical information during medical emergencies
💰 Administrative Purposes
We use your information for essential administrative functions:
- Billing & Insurance: Processing claims, payment collection, insurance verification
- Account Management: Maintaining user accounts, authentication, customer support
- Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements and legal obligations
- Quality Improvement: Analyzing care outcomes and service effectiveness
📋 Minimum Necessary Standard
We follow the HIPAA "minimum necessary" standard, using and disclosing only the minimum amount of information required to accomplish the specific purpose.
🤝 Information Sharing
🏥 Healthcare Partners
We may share your health information with authorized healthcare entities:
- Specialists: Referrals to specialists and subspecialty providers
- Laboratories: Test ordering and result sharing with certified labs
- Pharmacies: Prescription information for medication dispensing
- Hospitals: Care coordination during hospital stays or emergency visits
- Insurance Providers: Claims processing and coverage verification
⚖️ Legal Requirements
In certain circumstances, we may be required to disclose information:
- Public Health: Reporting communicable diseases or safety concerns
- Legal Proceedings: Court orders, subpoenas, or legal investigations
- Safety Concerns: Preventing harm to patients or public safety
- Regulatory Compliance: Healthcare oversight and compliance audits
🔐 Your Consent
Except for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, or as required by law, we will not share your information without your explicit written consent.
🛡️ HIPAA Compliance
PCP.CARE is a HIPAA-covered entity and fully complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules.
🔒 Protected Health Information (PHI)
We protect all forms of PHI in accordance with HIPAA requirements:
- Electronic PHI (ePHI): Digital health records, test results, communications
- Physical PHI: Paper documents, printed reports, physical files
- Oral PHI: Verbal communications about health information
📋 HIPAA Rights
Under HIPAA, you have specific rights regarding your health information:
- Right to Access: Request copies of your health records
- Right to Amend: Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Right to Restrict: Request limitations on information use or disclosure
- Right to Accounting: Receive a list of disclosures made
- Right to Confidential Communications: Request alternative communication methods
- Right to File Complaints: Submit complaints about privacy practices
📞 HIPAA Privacy Officer
Our designated HIPAA Privacy Officer is available to address any privacy concerns or questions. Contact us at [email protected] or call our privacy hotline.
🔐 Data Security
🛡️ Technical Safeguards
We implement comprehensive technical security measures:
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit
- Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access restrictions
- Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and secure network protocols
- Data Backup: Regular encrypted backups with disaster recovery procedures
- Security Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring for suspicious activities and threats
🏢 Administrative Safeguards
Our administrative controls ensure proper information handling:
- Privacy Training: Regular HIPAA training for all staff members
- Business Associate Agreements: Contracts with all third-party vendors
- Incident Response: Procedures for handling security breaches
- Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and compliance reviews
🏥 Physical Safeguards
We protect physical access to information and systems:
- Facility Security: Controlled access to offices and data centers
- Workstation Controls: Secured computers and mobile devices
- Media Protection: Secure handling and disposal of storage media
🚨 Security Incident Reporting
If you suspect a security incident or unauthorized access to your information, please contact our security team immediately at [email protected] or call our emergency line.
⚖️ Your Privacy Rights
📱 Access & Control
You have comprehensive rights regarding your personal information:
- Data Access: View, download, or receive copies of your information
- Data Portability: Transfer your data to another healthcare provider
- Data Correction: Request updates to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Communication Preferences: Choose how and when we contact you
- Marketing Opt-out: Unsubscribe from promotional communications
🗑️ Data Deletion
Subject to legal and medical record retention requirements:
- Account Deletion: Request removal of your account and associated data
- Information Removal: Delete specific pieces of non-essential information
- Retention Periods: Understand how long we retain different types of data
⏰ Response Timeframes
We respond to privacy rights requests within 30 days for most requests, and within 60 days for complex HIPAA requests. We'll notify you if additional time is needed.
📞 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of your privacy rights:
- Online Portal: Use your patient portal to submit requests
- Email: Send requests to [email protected]
- Phone: Call our privacy hotline during business hours
- Mail: Send written requests to our mailing address
🤝 Third-Party Services
🏥 Healthcare Partners
We work with trusted healthcare partners who are bound by strict confidentiality agreements:
- Electronic Health Records: HIPAA-compliant EHR system providers
- Laboratory Services: Certified labs for test processing and results
- Telehealth Platform: Secure video conferencing for virtual appointments
- Prescription Services: Licensed pharmacy partners for medication delivery
- Medical Devices: Connected health device manufacturers and data processors
💳 Payment Processors
Financial transactions are handled by PCI-compliant payment processors:
- Credit Card Processing: Secure payment gateway providers
- Insurance Verification: Real-time eligibility and benefits verification
- Billing Services: HIPAA-compliant medical billing partners
☁️ Technology Services
Our technical infrastructure relies on secure, compliant service providers:
- Cloud Hosting: HIPAA-compliant cloud infrastructure providers
- Data Analytics: Privacy-focused analytics and reporting tools
- Communication: Secure messaging and notification services
- Security Services: Cybersecurity monitoring and threat detection
📝 Business Associate Agreements
All third-party vendors who have access to PHI sign comprehensive Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) that require them to protect your information according to HIPAA standards.
🔄 Policy Updates
📢 Notification Process
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements:
- Email Notification: We'll send advance notice to your registered email address
- Website Notice: Prominent notification on our website and patient portal
⏰ Implementation Timeline
Policy changes follow a structured timeline:
- 30-Day Notice: Advance notification for most policy updates
- 60-Day Notice: Extended notice for significant changes affecting your rights
- Immediate Effect: Emergency changes for security or legal compliance
- Grandfathering: Existing data governed by previous terms when appropriate
📱 Staying Informed
To stay current with our privacy practices:
- Version History: Review previous versions and changes on our website
- Summary of Changes: Clear explanations of what has changed and why
- Privacy Dashboard: Monitor your privacy settings and data usage
📅 Current Version
This Privacy Policy was last updated on January 15, 2025. The effective date of any changes will be clearly indicated, and the previous version will remain available for your reference.
📞 Contact Information
Privacy Questions & Concerns
Our privacy team is here to help with any questions or concerns about your personal information.
123 Healthcare Drive
Seminole, FL 33777
🏛️ Regulatory Authorities
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file complaints with:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: HHS HIPAA Complaint Portal
- Florida Department of Health: Florida DOH Website
- Office for Civil Rights: OCR Complaint Process
🔒 No Retaliation Policy
We will not retaliate against you for filing a privacy complaint or exercising your privacy rights. Your healthcare and our relationship with you will not be affected by any privacy-related requests or complaints.