At Encephalitis Hospital, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients, visitors, and users of our website. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant regulations in the United States. By accessing our website or utilizing our services, you agree to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide high-quality healthcare services, improve our website functionality, and enhance your experience. The types of information we may collect include:

a. Personal Information

  • Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, and other details provided when you schedule an appointment, contact us, or register for our services.
  • Health Information: Medical history, treatment records, diagnostic results, and other protected health information (PHI) shared during consultations or treatments.
  • Billing Information: Insurance details, payment information, and other financial data necessary for processing payments or insurance claims.

b. Non-Personal Information

  • Website Usage Data: Information about your interactions with our website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance website functionality, analyze traffic, and personalize content.

c. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from healthcare providers, insurance companies, or other entities involved in your care, with your consent or as permitted by law.

2. How We Use Your Information

Encephalitis Hospital uses your information to provide exceptional healthcare services and ensure a seamless experience. Specific uses include:

  • Healthcare Services: To diagnose, treat, and manage your medical condition, including coordinating care with other providers.
  • Appointments and Communication: To schedule appointments, send reminders, respond to inquiries, and provide updates about our services.
  • Billing and Insurance: To process payments, submit insurance claims, and manage financial transactions.
  • Website Improvement: To analyze website usage, improve functionality, and personalize your online experience.
  • Research and Innovation: To conduct research and improve encephalitis treatments, with your consent or in a de-identified format as permitted by law.
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal obligations, including HIPAA and state privacy laws.

3. How We Share Your Information

We prioritize the confidentiality of your information and only share it as necessary or permitted by law. We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

  • Healthcare Providers: To coordinate your care with other medical professionals, such as specialists or laboratories, involved in your treatment.
  • Business Associates: To third-party vendors who provide services on our behalf (e.g., billing or IT services), under strict confidentiality agreements compliant with HIPAA.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, such as in response to a court order, subpoena, or public health reporting obligations.
  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information with family members, caregivers, or other designated individuals.
  • De-Identified Data: For research or statistical purposes, we may use or share information that has been de-identified to protect your privacy.

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Your Rights Regarding Your Information

Under HIPAA and applicable state laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

  • Access: You may request access to your medical records or other personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information in your records.
  • Restriction: You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your information, though we may not always be able to comply due to legal obligations.
  • Portability: You may request a copy of your health information in a portable format.
  • Revocation of Consent: You may revoke any prior authorization to use or disclose your information, except where it has already been acted upon.

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at the contact information provided below.

5. How We Protect Your Information

Encephalitis Hospital employs robust safeguards to protect your personal and health information, including:

  • Physical Security: Secure storage of physical records and restricted access to our facilities.
  • Technical Security: Encryption, firewalls, and secure servers to protect electronic data.
  • Administrative Safeguards: Staff training, access controls, and policies to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Despite our best efforts, no system is completely secure. In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and authorities as required by law.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

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

  • Remember your preferences and settings.
  • Analyze website performance and user behavior.
  • Deliver personalized content.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

7. Third-Party Websites

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

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services and website are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with the effective date. We encourage you to review this page regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your information, please contact our Privacy Officer:

Encephalitis Hospital Privacy Officer
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Email: privacy@encephalitishospital.org

11. Your California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). These include the right to know what personal information we collect, use, or disclose about you and the right to request deletion of your information, subject to certain exceptions. To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer.

12. Compliance with HIPAA

Encephalitis Hospital complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect your protected health information (PHI). Our Notice of Privacy Practices, available upon request, provides additional details about how we handle your PHI.

13. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of July 16, 2025.