Privacy Policy

Introduction

Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website advcardioct.com or use our services.

HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable federal and state privacy laws. Protected Health Information (PHI) is handled in accordance with HIPAA Privacy Rule requirements. For more information about your HIPAA rights, please request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices during your visit or contact our office.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you interact with our practice, we may collect the following types of information:

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address
• Demographic Information: Date of birth, age, gender
• Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy numbers, coverage details
• Medical Information: Medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, treatment plans, test results, medications, and other health-related information
• Billing Information: Payment methods, billing address, transaction history

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website addresses
• Cookie data and analytics information

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare services
• Payment: To process billing and insurance claims
• Healthcare Operations: To improve our services, conduct quality assessments, and manage our practice
• Appointment Reminders: To send appointment confirmations and reminders via phone, email, or text message
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries and provide important updates about your care
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve user experience

How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Healthcare Providers: With other healthcare professionals involved in your care
• Business Associates: With third-party service providers who assist us in providing healthcare services (e.g., billing companies, IT services, laboratories). These entities are required to protect your information under HIPAA Business Associate Agreements
• Insurance Companies: For billing and insurance verification purposes
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulations
• Emergency Situations: To protect your health and safety or that of others

We do not sell your personal health information to third parties.

Text Message Communications

If you opt-in to receive text messages from us, we may send you:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• MyChart notifications and one-time passcodes
• Billing notifications
• Prescription reminders
• Care management updates

You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP to the short code. Message and data rates may apply. For more information, see our Terms & Conditions.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: To remember your preferences and settings

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

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:

• Secure server infrastructure and encryption
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on privacy and security practices
• HIPAA-compliant data handling procedures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of your medical records
• Amendment: Request corrections to your health information
• Accounting: Receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information
• Restriction: Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
• Confidential Communication: Request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location
• Revoke Authorization: Revoke any authorization you have given us to use or disclose your information (except where we have already acted based on your authorization)

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at the contact information below.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including MyChart (Yale New Haven Health System) and payment processing services. 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.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child without proper authorization, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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