Privacy Policy
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At NorthStar Surgery Specialists, P.A. (“NorthStar,” “we,” “our,” “us”), we take your privacy seriously. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your health data.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website, submit forms, or use our services.
1. Commitment to Patient Privacy
- 1.1 At NorthStar, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient privacy and safeguarding your personal health information.
- 1.2 Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), NorthStar is classified as a “covered entity.” As such, we comply with all applicable federal and state privacy and security regulations to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI).
2. Information We Collect
2.1 When you interact with our website or services, we may collect:
- Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details you provide.
- Medical Information: Health-related data submitted through appointment requests, patient forms, or secure portals.
- Technical Information: Device data, browser type, and anonymized usage analytics to improve our website and services.
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 We use your information only for purposes directly related to your care and the improvement of our services, including:
- Scheduling and managing appointments
- Coordinating with healthcare providers
- Responding to inquiries and requests
- Enhancing patient experience and website functionality
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
4. Data Privacy and Security Safeguards
4.1 NorthStar has implemented strict administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your PHI from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure:
- Restricted Access: PHI is password-protected and accessible only by authorized medical and administrative personnel.
- Network Security: Our systems are firewall-protected and monitored 24/7.
- Data Encryption: All PHI transmitted between our systems and data centers is encrypted using industry-standard TLS protocols with 256-bit AES encryption.
- Secure Storage: Patient data is stored in highly secure servers with multi-layer physical and digital safeguards.
- Continuous Monitoring: Our systems undergo regular security testing and are protected by advanced intrusion detection mechanisms.
5. No Sale or Unauthorized Sharing of PHI
5.1 Patient contact details, appointment data, and medical information are never shared with advertisers or unrelated affiliates.
5.2 As part of our partnership, GrowPractice, acting as a patient communication partner for NorthStar Surgery Specialists, may send messages such as appointment reminders, confirmations, and health-related updates on behalf of NorthStar to ensure smooth and timely communication with patients.
5.3 We will not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
6. Patient Rights
6.1 As a patient, you have specific rights under HIPAA, including the right to:
- Access and obtain copies of your medical records
- Request corrections to your health information
- Restrict certain disclosures of your PHI
- Request a detailed record of how your information has been used or shared
7. Third-Party Services and Links
7.1 Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and encourage you to review their policies before sharing personal data.
8. Updates to This Privacy Policy
8.1 NorthStar reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
9. Contact Us
9.1 If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or the use of your information, please contact us:
NorthStar Surgery Specialists, P.A.
📍 2217 Park Bend Dr. Suite 220 Austin, TX, 78758
📧 vchoudhry@northstarsurgery.com
📞 (512) 491-6542
