Introduction
Pediatric & Family Vision ("we," "our," or "us") is a healthcare practice subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our office or use this website. By using our services, you agree to the practices described here.
Information We Collect
To provide eye care and run our practice, we collect:
- Demographic information: name, date of birth, address, phone, email.
- Protected health information (PHI): exam findings, prescriptions, medical history, insurance information.
- Payment information: handled via PCI-compliant payment processors; we do not store full card numbers.
- Website usage data: basic analytics about how visitors use this site (pages viewed, device type, referring site). This data is not linked to your identity unless you submit a form.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and manage your eye care
- Bill insurance and process payments
- Communicate appointment reminders and follow-up
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Improve our practice and this website
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use your PHI for marketing without your explicit authorization.
Sharing & Disclosure
We share information only as needed to provide care or as required by law:
- Treatment: with other healthcare providers involved in your care (e.g. an ophthalmologist or primary care doctor) when clinically appropriate.
- Payment: with your insurance company to bill and process claims.
- Operations: with vetted service providers (e.g. electronic health record vendor, appointment-reminder system, accountants) under appropriate confidentiality agreements.
- Legal: when required by law, court order, or public health reporting.
Security
We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted electronic health records, access controls, staff training, and routine review of our practices. No system is perfectly secure, but we take this seriously and continuously improve our protections.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
- Inspect and obtain a copy of your health information
- Request amendments to incorrect information
- Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
- Request restrictions on how we use or share your information
- Request confidential communications
- File a complaint without retaliation
To exercise these rights, contact our office. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Children's Privacy
We treat patients of all ages, including infants and children. Information about minor patients is handled with the same protections as adult information, with parents or legal guardians serving as the patient's personal representative for HIPAA purposes until the patient reaches the age of majority.
Website Analytics & Cookies
This website uses standard web analytics (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. Analytics data is anonymized and used to improve the site. You can opt out of Google Analytics using Google's opt-out browser add-on.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as our practices evolve or as regulations change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects when this policy was last revised. Significant changes will be communicated through the website or other reasonable means.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise any of your HIPAA rights, please contact our office through the contact page.