At Lincoln Square Eyecare, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, including HIPAA and TCR requirements. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, as well as your rights regarding that data.
Data Collection
We collect the following types of personal information:
- Identity Information: Name, date of birth, gender, and other demographic details.
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- Health Information: Medical history, prescriptions, diagnoses, and appointment details.
- Communication Preferences: Records of opt-ins/opt-outs for marketing or care-related messaging.
- Technical Information: IP addresses, device information, and interaction data on our website (if applicable).
Data is collected through:
- Appointment scheduling or registration.
- Forms completed online, via phone, or in person.
- Messaging opt-ins for reminders, updates, or marketing communications.
We only collect the information necessary for providing healthcare services and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Data Usage
Your information is used for the following purposes:
- Healthcare Operations: Managing appointments, health records, and treatment plans.
- Essential Communications: Sending appointment confirmations, reminders, and updates related to your care.
- Marketing Communications (with Consent): Informing you about new services, promotions, or health-related updates.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with HIPAA, TCR, and other legal or accreditation requirements.
- Data Analytics: Improving website functionality and patient experience (if applicable).
We will never sell or share your information with third parties for their independent use without your explicit consent, except as required by law.
Data Protection
We take the following measures to safeguard your data:
- Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted during transmission and storage.
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel can access your information.
- Auditing: Regular security audits and monitoring to detect unauthorized access or breaches.
- Vendor Compliance: Ensuring third-party service providers meet HIPAA and TCR standards.
In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and regulatory bodies as required by law.
User Rights
As a user, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of your health and personal data.
- Amendment: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Restriction: Limit how your data is used in certain circumstances.
- Disclosure Accounting: Receive a record of disclosures made of your health information.
- Objection and Withdrawal: Object to certain data uses or withdraw consent for marketing communications.
- Complaint Filing: Submit a complaint about our data practices without fear of retaliation.
To exercise these rights, contact us as detailed in Section 6.
Opt-In and Opt-Out
As a user, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Opt-In: Users explicitly opt into communications when providing contact information during registration, appointment booking, or other interactions. Consent includes receiving SMS, email, or other notifications related to healthcare or marketing campaigns registered with TCR.
- Replying "STOP" to text messages.
- Clicking the unsubscribe link in marketing emails.
- Contacting our office directly.
Note: Opting out of marketing messages will not affect essential care-related communications (e.g., appointment reminders).
Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights, you can contact us at:
- Address: Lincoln Square Eyecare, 2501 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.
- Phone: (773) 801-3757
- Email: info@lsqeyecare.com.
Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in regulations, technology, or practices. Updates will be:
- Posted on our website with the revised effective date.
- Communicated via email or text for significant changes impacting user rights.
Accessibility
This Privacy Policy is made easily accessible:
- Website: A link is prominently displayed on our homepage and footer.
- Office: Copies are available upon request at our office.
- Alternate Formats: Accessible formats (e.g., large print, translated copies) are available to accommodate disabilities or language preferences.