Table of contents
Introduction
Online Psychiatrists ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This document serves two purposes:
- Website Privacy Policy: Explains how we collect and use data from visitors to www.onlinepsychiatrists.com.
- HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices: Explains how we handle Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
By using our website or becoming a patient, you agree to the terms outlined below.
PART 1: WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY (For All Visitors)
Information We Collect
We collect information to improve our website and provide services. This includes:
- Voluntarily Provided Information: Name, email address, phone number, and state of residence when you fill out our "Book Appointment" or "Contact" forms.
- Automatic Data: IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.
- Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies to analyze website traffic and improve user experience.
Google Analytics & Third-Party Tools
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors engage with our site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect non-personal data.
- Google's Use of Data: You can read how Google uses data here: www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/
- Opt-Out: You may opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Tracking Pixels and Marketing
We may use tracking technologies (such as pixels) to measure the effectiveness of our marketing.
Strict Medical Privacy: We do not use tracking pixels (like the Meta/Facebook Pixel) inside our secure patient portals or on pages where specific medical diagnoses are selected, to prevent the sharing of sensitive health status with advertisers.
Links to Other Sites
Our site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., psychology resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites.
PART 2: HIPAA NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES (For Patients)
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Your Protected Health Information (PHI)
PHI includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, healthcare services, or payment for care.
How We Use and Disclose Your PHI
We are permitted by federal law to use your PHI for:
- Treatment: We may share your info with other professionals treating you (e.g., sending a prescription to your pharmacy, coordinating with your primary care physician or therapist).
- Payment: We use your info to bill you or your insurance company. This includes sharing diagnoses and treatment codes required for reimbursement.
- Healthcare Operations: We use data to run our practice, improve quality of care, and for licensing or accreditation purposes.
Telehealth Security
We use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms (e.g., [Insert Platform Name like Zoom for Healthcare/Doxy.me]) that utilize end-to-end encryption. We do not record sessions without your explicit written consent.
Disclosures Required by Law
We may disclose PHI without your authorization in specific situations:
- To report suspected child abuse or elder neglect.
- To prevent a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public (Duty to Warn).
- In response to a court order or subpoena.
- For public health activities (e.g., disease reporting).
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to:
- Request Access: Inspect and obtain a copy of your medical records (fees may apply for copying).
- Request Amendment: Ask us to correct your record if you believe it is inaccurate.
- Request Restrictions: Ask us not to share specific info with certain parties (we are not required to agree, unless you pay in full out-of-pocket and request we not bill insurance).
- Confidential Communications: Request that we contact you only at a specific phone number or email.
- Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of times we shared your info for reasons other than treatment, payment, or operations.
PART 3: GENERAL PROVISIONS
Children’s Privacy
Our services are available to minors only with the consent and involvement of a parent or legal guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without parental consent, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Data Retention
We retain medical records for a minimum period as required by state laws (e.g., 6 years in New York/New Jersey, 5-7 years in Florida) after the last date of service or until the patient reaches age 21, whichever is longer.
State-Specific Rights
New York/New Jersey/Florida Patients: We comply with state-specific regulations regarding the confidentiality of mental health records and HIV-related information, which may offer greater protection than federal law.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this policy. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact Information & Complaints
If you have questions about this policy, or if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact our Privacy Officer. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
Online Psychiatrists Privacy Officer
- Email: info@onlinepsychiatrists.com
- Phone: (646) 713-0000
- Address: 405 Lexington Ave, #2601, New York, NY, 10174
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.