Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Preferred Hospice Care ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

As a healthcare provider, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable federal and state privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

Protected Health Information (PHI)

When you become a patient or inquire about our services, we may collect:

• Personal identifiers (name, address, phone number, email)
• Medical history and current health conditions
• Insurance information and billing details
• Emergency contact information
• Care preferences and advance directives

Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website addresses
• Device information and operating system

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your hospice care services
• Payment: To bill and collect payment for services rendered
• Healthcare Operations: To improve our services, train staff, and ensure quality care
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide care updates
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Website Improvement: To enhance user experience and website functionality

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Healthcare Providers: Physicians, nurses, and other professionals involved in your care
• Business Associates: Third-party service providers who assist with billing, IT services, and operations (all bound by HIPAA agreements)
• Insurance Companies: For payment and coverage verification purposes
• Family Members: With your consent or as allowed by law
• Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect health and safety

5. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding your protected health information:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your medical records
• Right to Amend: Request corrections to your health information
• Right to an Accounting: Receive a list of certain disclosures we have made
• Right to Request Restrictions: Ask us to limit how we use or share your information
• Right to Confidential Communications: Request that we contact you in a specific way
• Right to a Paper Copy: Obtain a paper copy of this Privacy Policy at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at (888) 264-4401.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Staff training on privacy and security practices
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling cookies may limit website functionality.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. 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.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

11. Contact Information

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

12. Notice of Privacy Practices

For more detailed information about how we use and disclose your protected health information, please request our Notice of Privacy Practices. This document is provided to all patients at the time of enrollment and is available upon request at any time.