Who we are
At Northville Chiropractic, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you visit our website (https://northvillechiropractic.com/), interact with our services, or opt into our text messaging program. This policy applies to all users of our website and services, including patients and non-patients. As a healthcare provider, we also comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding Protected Health Information (PHI). By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
1. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to provide our services, improve your experience, and communicate with you. The types of information we collect include:
• Personal Identifiers: Such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address, which you may provide when booking an appointment, filling out a contact form, or signing up for our text messaging program.
• Protected Health Information (PHI): As a chiropractic practice, we collect health-related information (e.g., medical history, treatment details) when you become a patient. This information is protected under HIPAA and is only used for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, as outlined in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
• Message Content: If you opt into our text messaging program, we may collect the content of messages you send or receive.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our website, such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. We may collect this data using cookies or similar technologies (see Section 5 for details).
• Interaction History: If you opt into our text messaging program, we may collect data on how you engage with our messages, such as response rates or opt-out requests.
2. How We Collect Information
We collect information through the following methods:
• Directly from You: When you fill out forms on our website (e.g., contact forms, appointment requests), sign up for our text messaging program, or provide information during a visit to our practice.
• Automatically: Through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies when you visit our website. These tools help us understand how you use our site and improve its functionality.
• During Patient Interactions: When you become a patient, we collect PHI as part of providing healthcare services, such as during appointments or through patient intake forms.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
• To Provide Healthcare Services: We use PHI to deliver chiropractic care, schedule appointments, and process payments. This includes sharing PHI with insurance providers or other healthcare entities as needed for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, in compliance with HIPAA.
• To Communicate with You: We may use your contact information to send appointment reminders, respond to inquiries, or provide updates about our practice. If you opt into our text messaging program, we may send SMS notifications (see Section 4 for details).
• To Improve Our Services: We use usage data to analyze website performance, understand user preferences, and enhance our offerings.
• For Marketing Purposes: We may use your contact information to send promotional messages about our services, special offers, or events. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time (see Section 7 for details).
• To Comply with Legal Obligations: We may use or disclose your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes, including HIPAA requirements for PHI.
4. Text Messaging Program
Northville Chiropractic offers an SMS program to keep you informed with appointment reminders, health updates, and promotional messages. By opting into this program, you agree to the following terms:
• Program Description: You may opt into receiving SMS notifications and alerts from Northville Chiropractic, which may include appointment reminders, wellness tips, and promotional messages about our services. Message frequency varies depending on your interaction with our practice.
• Opt-In Process: You can opt into our SMS program by providing your phone number and checking the consent box on our website forms, paper forms at our office, or verbally during a visit. Consent checkboxes are not pre-selected and are optional, even if a phone number is required for other purposes (e.g., appointment scheduling).
• Opt-Out Process: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Simply text “STOP” to the phone number or shortcode from which you receive our messages. Upon sending “STOP,” we will confirm your unsubscribe status via SMS. Following this confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. To rejoin, sign up as you did initially, and we will resume sending SMS messages to you.
• Support: If you experience issues with the messaging program, reply with the keyword “HELP” for more assistance, or contact us directly at (248) 348-6166.
• Message and Data Rates: As always, message and data rates may apply for messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. For questions about your text plan or data plan, contact your wireless provider.
• Carriers: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
• Privacy of SMS Data: No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Information sharing with subcontractors in support services, such as customer service, is permitted. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, except for aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. A cookie is a small file placed on your device that helps us analyze web traffic, remember your preferences, and improve our site.
• Types of Cookies: We use session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which remain until deleted). We may also use third-party cookies for analytics purposes.
• Purpose: Cookies help us track which pages you visit, understand your preferences, and provide a more personalized experience. For example, we may use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic.
• Your Choices: You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline them. Note that declining cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.
6. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
• With Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, delivering SMS messages, or providing healthcare services (e.g., billing companies, SMS platforms). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
• For Healthcare Operations: We may share PHI with other healthcare providers, insurance companies, or business associates as necessary for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, in compliance with HIPAA.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties for marketing purposes if you provide explicit consent. For example, if you opt into a joint promotional event, we may share your contact information with the event partner.
• To Comply with Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information if required by law, such as in response to a court order, subpoena, or regulatory request.
• For SMS Program Operations: As noted in Section 4, we may share SMS opt-in data with aggregators or providers of text message services to facilitate our SMS program. However, this data will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
7. Your Choices and Rights
You have several rights regarding your personal information:
• Opt-Out of Marketing: You can opt out of receiving marketing emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email we send. To opt out of SMS messages, text “STOP” as described in Section 4.
• Access and Correct Your Information: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you, including PHI, under the Data Protection Act 1998 and HIPAA. You can also request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information. To make such a request, contact us at info@northvillechiropractic.com or (248) 348-6166. A small fee may apply for data access requests.
• Revoke Consent: If you have provided consent for us to use your information (e.g., for marketing or SMS messages), you may revoke that consent at any time by contacting us or following the opt-out instructions provided.
• HIPAA Rights: As a patient, you have specific rights under HIPAA, such as the right to request restrictions on how we use your PHI or to receive a copy of your health records. These rights are detailed in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, available at our office.
8. Security of Your Information
We are committed to protecting the security of your information. We implement reasonable physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of your personal information and PHI. For example:
• We use secure servers and encryption to protect data transmitted through our website.
• We limit access to your information to authorized personnel only.
• We train our staff on HIPAA compliance and data security best practices.
Despite these measures, no system is completely secure. If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected individuals as required by law and take steps to mitigate any harm.
9. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as social media platforms or payment processors. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us via phone.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or your rights, please contact us:
• Phone: (248) 348-6166
• Address: Northville Chiropractic, 412 N Center St, Northville, MI 48167
For questions about your PHI or HIPAA rights, you may also request a copy of our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at our office.