This Privacy Policy outlines how SMS Medical collects, uses, discloses, and protects the personal information of visitors who interact with our website. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and the confidentiality of any personal information shared with us. By using our website, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Information collection and use
Personal information. We may collect personal information such as your name, contact details (including email address and phone number), and other relevant information when you voluntarily provide it to us through our forms or other means of communication on the website. We collect this information solely to provide the services you request and to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Usage information. We may collect non-personal information about your interactions with our website, such as your IP address, browser type, referring and exit pages, and operating system. We use this information to analyze trends, administer the website, and improve your experience. Our website uses cookies and similar technologies from Google and Meta to measure the performance of our advertising.
Use of information
Personal information. We may use the personal information you provide to respond to your inquiries, provide requested services, send administrative information, and communicate with you about updates or news about our services. We may also use it internally for data analysis and research to improve our services and the website.
Usage information. Non-personal information is used for statistical purposes to analyze trends and improve the website's performance, content, and design.
HIPAA compliance
We understand the importance of protecting your health information and complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If you provide protected health information (PHI) through our website, we will handle it in accordance with HIPAA and our internal policies and procedures to keep it confidential and secure. We will only use and disclose your PHI as permitted by HIPAA, and with your consent when required.
Information sharing and disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in these circumstances:
Service providers. We may engage trusted third-party service providers, such as our online scheduling provider, to help operate the website or deliver services on our behalf. They have access to your personal information only to perform specific tasks and are obligated to protect its confidentiality.
Legal requirements. We may disclose personal information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, respond to a legal request, or comply with HIPAA.
Data security
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of data transmission or storage can guarantee absolute security, and we cannot ensure or warrant the security of information you transmit to us.
Your rights
Under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and HIPAA, you have certain rights regarding your personal and protected health information, including the right to request access to, amend, and receive an accounting of disclosures of that information. To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
Third-party websites
Our website may link to third-party websites that we do not operate. We have no control over their content, privacy practices, or reliability, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Updates to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on this page with the updated date.
Contact us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, email info@smsmedical.net or call (708) 424-9405.
HIPAA notice
The following paragraphs specifically address the collection, use, and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA.
Collection of PHI. In the course of providing our healthcare services, we may collect, use, and store your PHI, including information such as your medical history, test results, and other health-related data you provide to us.
Use and disclosure of PHI. We will only use your PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, as permitted by HIPAA. We may disclose your PHI to healthcare providers and entities involved in your care, and for billing and insurance purposes.
Notice of Privacy Practices. Our Notice of Privacy Practices provides more detail about how we handle your PHI, including your rights and our obligations under HIPAA. You may request a copy by contacting us.
PHI security. We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, as required by HIPAA, to protect the confidentiality and integrity of your PHI.
Authorization and consent. We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not covered by this policy or required by law. You may revoke your authorization at any time, except to the extent we have already acted on it.
This HIPAA notice is provided together with our general Privacy Policy and should be read with it. If the two conflict, this HIPAA notice prevails to the extent required by HIPAA.