Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Dr. Horvath Medical Practice ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services, including SMS communications through GoTo VoIP services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• On this website, we only collect your Name, address, phone number, and email address if you contact us
• If you are our patient, in our practice and in the course of providing you with care, we collect:
  • Name, address, phone number/li>
  • Email address if you choose to provide one
  • Date of birth and social security number
  • Insurance information and payment details
  • Medical history, symptoms, and treatment information
  • Emergency contact information

2.2 Cookies

• Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.

3. SMS Communications and GoTo VoIP Compliance

3.1 SMS Service

We use VoIP services for telephone and fax communications. We do not use SMS, unless you ask us to remind you of appointments by SMS, but we prefer to call and leave a message reminder on your voicemail or speak to you in person to remind you of your appointment. If you send us SMS messages, we will try to respond, but we may not receive them, or we may not process and respond to them, so please make a point to use the telephone to contact us. If you send us SMS messages, you consent to receive SMS messages from us. If you ask us at the office or over the phone to use SMS to communicate with you, under certain circumstances, we may do so.

3.2 SMS Consent and Opt-Out

• You may opt-out of SMS messages at any time by replying "STOP MESSAGING ME" to any message
• You may also contact us directly to opt-out of any SMS communication. We prefer that you call us on the telephone about any issue with SMS
• Message and data rates may apply
• We do not charge for SMS messages, but your carrier may

3.3 SMS Data Retention

SMS message logs may be retained in accordance with HIPAA requirements and our VoIP provider's data retention policies. We do not control what the VoIP provider does with SMS messages, so we encourage you to call our office instead of using SMS if your conversation contains private or protected information.

4. How We Use Your Information

• Provide medical care and treatment
• Schedule appointments and send reminders
• Process insurance claims and payments
• Communicate test results and medical information
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our services and website functionality

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Healthcare Operations

We may share your information with:

• Healthcare providers involved in your care
• Insurance companies for claims processing
• Laboratory services for test processing
• VoIP for SMS delivery services

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect public health and safety.

5.3 Marketing and promotion

Your personal and mobile information will never be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes under any circumstances.

5.4 Data transfers

Your data will not be transferred to external organizations.

5.4 Strict Internal Policies

We maintain rigorous internal policies and technical controls to prevent any unauthorized disclosure or sharing of your information.

6. HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your protected health information (PHI) is handled according to HIPAA privacy and security rules.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure, including:

• Paper charts, which generally isolate your medical information from electronic access
• Access controls and user authentication
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on privacy and security practices

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Request correction and deletetion of your personal information
• Request restrictions on information use
• Request or opt-out of SMS communications, although we discourage SMS communications in general
• File a complaint about privacy practices

To exercise these rights, please contact us.

9. Third-Party Services

9.1 GoTo VoIP Services

Our SMS communications are powered by GoTo VoIP services. GoTo's privacy policy and terms of service also apply to SMS communications. GoTo is a HIPAA-compliant service provider.

9.2 Website Analytics

We may use third-party analytics services to improve our website. These services may collect anonymous usage data.

10. Data Retention

We retain your information as required by law and professional standards:

• Medical records: As required by state law (typically 7-10 years)
• SMS logs: as specified in GoTo's Trust and Privacy Center and Technical and Organization Measures
• Website data: 2 years unless longer retention is required

11. Children's Privacy

As a pediatric practice, we collect information about minors with parental consent. Parents have the right to access, modify, or delete their child's information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website. Please review this page periodically for any changes. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

14. Compliance Certifications

• HIPAA Compliant Healthcare Provider
• GoTo VoIP SMS Service Compliant
• CLIA-Certified Laboratory Services
• State Medical Board Licensed