Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Introduction

HealthWise Plan Hospital ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and medical information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or receive our healthcare services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

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

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth and social security number
• Insurance information and emergency contacts
• Employment information and billing details

2.2 Medical Information

In the course of providing healthcare services, we collect and maintain:

• Medical history and current health conditions
• Diagnostic test results and treatment records
• Prescription and medication information
• Physician notes and care plans

2.3 Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website and search terms used
• Device information and operating system

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Healthcare Services

We use your information to:

• Provide medical care and treatment
• Coordinate care among healthcare providers
• Process insurance claims and billing
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Communicate about your care and appointments

3.2 Website Functionality

We use website information to:

• Improve our website and user experience
• Respond to your inquiries and requests
• Send appointment reminders and health information
• Analyze website usage and performance

4. HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, we are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your health information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

4.1 Protected Health Information (PHI)

Your medical information is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. We will not use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization, except as permitted or required by law.

4.2 Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We may use or disclose your PHI without authorization for:

• Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
• Public health activities and disease reporting
• Legal proceedings and law enforcement
• Emergency situations to protect health and safety

5. Information Sharing

5.1 Healthcare Providers

We may share your information with:

• Physicians and specialists involved in your care
• Nurses, technicians, and other healthcare staff
• Laboratories and diagnostic imaging centers
• Pharmacies for prescription fulfillment

5.2 Business Associates

We may share information with business associates who help us operate our healthcare services, including:

• Insurance companies and billing services
• Medical equipment and software vendors
• Legal and accounting professionals
• Quality assurance and accreditation organizations

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information:

6.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure network infrastructure and firewalls
• Regular security updates and patches
• Access controls and user authentication

6.2 Physical Safeguards

• Secure facilities with controlled access
• Locked filing cabinets for paper records
• Secure disposal of confidential information
• Workstation and device security measures

6.3 Administrative Safeguards

• Employee training on privacy and security
• Background checks for staff with access to PHI
• Regular risk assessments and audits
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

7. Your Rights

Under HIPAA and applicable privacy laws, you have the right to:

7.1 Access Your Information

You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your medical records and other health information we maintain about you.

7.2 Request Amendments

You may request that we amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.

7.3 Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

7.4 Request Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you about your health information in a particular way or at a specific location.

7.5 Accounting of Disclosures

You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information that we have made.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

8.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

13. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Our Privacy Officer using the contact information above
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.