Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to our clinic's website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring 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 healthcare services.

As a healthcare provider operating in Ontario, Canada, we comply with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), as applicable.

Information We Collect

Personal Health Information

When you become a patient at our clinic, we may collect the following types of personal health information:

• Contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
• Health card number and other identification
• Medical history and health conditions
• Treatment records and clinical notes
• Test results and diagnostic information
• Prescription and medication history
• Insurance and billing information

Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal health information to:

• Provide naturopathic healthcare services and treatment
• Communicate with you about appointments and care
• Process billing and insurance claims
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers (with your consent)
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our services and patient experience

Patient Confidentiality

We take the confidentiality of your personal health information very seriously. Your health records are kept strictly confidential and are only accessed by authorized clinic staff who require the information to provide your care.

We will not disclose your personal health information to third parties without your express consent, except where required or permitted by law, including:

• To other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)
• In case of a medical emergency
• As required by law or court order
• To regulatory bodies for professional oversight
• For health system planning and management (in de-identified form)

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal health information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure electronic health record systems with encryption
• Password protection and access controls
• Physical security of paper records
• Staff training on privacy and confidentiality
• Regular security assessments and updates

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Provide relevant content and information

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Your Rights

Under Ontario's PHIPA and applicable privacy laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal health information
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
• Receive a copy of your health records
• File a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

To exercise these rights, please contact our clinic directly. We may require verification of your identity before processing your request.

Retention of Records

We retain your personal health information in accordance with regulatory requirements and professional standards. In Ontario, health records are generally retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the last entry, or 10 years after the patient reaches age 18 for minors. Records may be retained longer if required for ongoing care or legal purposes.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

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