Privacy Policy

Introduction

Bay View Chiropractic ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us.

We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Wisconsin state privacy laws, and all applicable federal and state regulations regarding the privacy and security of health information.

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

YOUR RIGHTS: You have the right to receive a copy of our complete Notice of Privacy Practices, which describes in detail how we may use and disclose your protected health information. You may request a copy at any time by contacting our office.

Key Points:

• We will not use or disclose your health information without your written authorization, except as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices or as required by law.
• You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information.
• You have the right to inspect and copy your health records.
• You have the right to request amendments to your health information.
• You have the right to receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information.

Information We Collect

Protected Health Information (PHI)

When you become a patient, we collect health information necessary for your treatment, including:

• Personal identifiers (name, address, date of birth, email, phone number)
• Medical history and health conditions
• Treatment records and clinical notes
• Insurance and billing information
• X-rays and diagnostic images
• Communication preferences

Website and Analytics Information

Our website collects certain information automatically, including:

• Browser type and device information
• IP address and location data
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website information

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This information does not include protected health information and is used solely to improve our website experience.

SMS Text Messaging & Electronic Communications

Consent to Receive Text Messages

By providing your mobile phone number to Bay View Chiropractic, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from us for the following purposes:

• Appointment Reminders: Notifications about upcoming appointments
• Appointment Confirmations: Verification of scheduled visits
• Schedule Changes: Updates about appointment times or office hours
• Office Communications: Important practice announcements and updates
• Treatment Reminders: Follow-up care instructions and wellness tips
• Billing Notifications: Payment reminders and insurance updates (when applicable)

Important Information About Text Messaging

• Message Frequency: Message frequency may vary based on your appointment schedule and communication preferences. You may receive up to 10 messages per month.
• Message & Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier's plan. Please check with your carrier for details.
• Carriers Supported: Our text messaging service works with all major U.S. mobile carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others.
• Not Required for Service: Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of receiving chiropractic services from us. You may still receive care even if you opt out of text messaging.

How to Opt Out

You may opt out of text messages at any time by:

• Texting STOP to any text message from us
• Calling our office at (414) 295-6045
• Emailing us your opt-out request
• Updating your communication preferences during your office visit

After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message, then no further text messages unless you opt back in.

Privacy and Security of Text Messages

Important: While we use secure systems to send text messages, standard SMS/text messaging is not encrypted and should not be considered a fully secure means of communication. We will not include sensitive health information in text messages. If you have concerns about the security of text messaging, please inform our staff, and we can communicate through alternative secure methods.

Email Communications

By providing your email address, you consent to receive:

• Appointment confirmations and reminders
• Office newsletters and health tips (optional)
• Service updates and announcements
• Patient forms and documentation

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email or by contacting our office. Transactional emails (appointment confirmations, etc.) will continue as necessary for your care.

Help & Support

For help with text messaging or to update your communication preferences:

• Text HELP to any message from us for assistance
• Call our office: (414) 295-6045
• Visit us: 3116 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

How We Use Your Information

Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations

We use your protected health information for:

• Treatment: Providing, coordinating, and managing your healthcare
• Payment: Billing and collecting payment for services provided
• Healthcare Operations: Quality improvement, training, and administrative functions
• Appointment Management: Scheduling, reminders, and follow-up care coordination

Communications

We may contact you via phone, text, email, or mail for:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• Treatment follow-up and care coordination
• Office announcements and schedule changes
• Wellness information and health education (with your consent)

Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party services to provide better care and improve our operations. These services are HIPAA-compliant and bound by Business Associate Agreements:

Patient Management Systems

• IntakeQ: Online appointment scheduling and patient intake forms
• Practice Management Software: Electronic health records and billing systems
• Communication Platforms: Automated appointment reminders and patient communications

Analytics and Website Services

• Google Analytics: Website traffic and user behavior analysis (does not collect PHI)
• Hosting Services: Secure website and data hosting

All third-party service providers with access to protected health information have signed Business Associate Agreements and are required to maintain HIPAA compliance.

How We Protect Your Information

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

• Physical Security: Locked filing systems, secure facility access, and controlled storage areas
• Technical Security: Encryption, secure data transmission (SSL/TLS), password protection, and regular security updates
• Administrative Security: Staff training, access controls, and privacy policies
• Regular Risk Assessments: Ongoing evaluation of security measures and compliance

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your health information:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your medical records
• Right to Amendment: Request corrections to your health information
• Right to an Accounting: Request a list of disclosures of your health information
• Right to Request Restrictions: Ask us to limit how we use or share your information
• Right to Confidential Communications: Request communication through alternative means or locations
• Right to a Copy of This Notice: Request a paper copy of this privacy policy at any time
• Right to File a Complaint: File a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at (414) 295-6045.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and improve user experience
• Understand how visitors interact with our website

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit certain features of our website.

Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information. For patients under 18, we obtain appropriate parental or guardian consent before treatment.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Providing notice in our office for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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