At Podiatry Group of Georgia, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information obtained through our website at podiatrygroupofgeorgia.com.
Please note that our collection and use of clinical patient health information (offline and via patient scheduling portals) is governed by federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.
Protected Health Information (PHI) & HIPAA
When you schedule appointments or input medical history online, you may transmit Protected Health Information (PHI). We safeguard all PHI in strict accordance with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules:
- We restrict third-party tracking cookies or advertising pixels on pages involving patient scheduling.
- Your health and scheduling data are transmitted securely using industry-standard SSL encryption.
- We partner with HIPAA-compliant booking systems (Zocdoc and Square Appointments) that execute appropriate data safeguards.
Information We Collect
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you fill out contact forms, call our office, or submit appointment scheduling requests. This information may include:
Your Rights Under HIPAA
Under HIPAA, patients have specific rights regarding their Protected Health Information. These rights include:
Right to Inspect and Copy
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) that is contained in a designated record set, such as medical and billing records.
Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We will accommodate reasonable requests where possible.
Right to Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a specific way or at a specific location (for example, sending appointment reminders via email vs. phone).
Right to Request Amendments
If you feel that the medical or health information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request an amendment to your health records.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to coordinate your medical care, process scheduling requests, send appointment reminders, respond to questions, and maintain compliance with licensing, legal, and operational regulations. We **never** sell, rent, or lease your personal information or health records to third-party advertisers.
Children's Privacy
Our office provides specialized pediatric foot and ankle care. However, our website is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13. All pediatric medical bookings and health information submissions must be made by a parent or legal guardian.
Contact Us & Privacy Questions
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your HIPAA rights, or how we protect your personal data, please call our office directly at 404-806-3731.