Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 6, 2024
Introduction
At WNC Audiology, located at 261 Asheland Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients' information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant privacy laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our clinic and use our services, including any media form, media channel, mobile website, or mobile application related, linked, or otherwise connected thereto.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
a. Personal Information
NameContact information (phone number, email address, mailing address)Date of birthInsurance details
b. Health Information (Protected Health Information – PHI)
Medical history related to hearing healthAudiology test resultsTreatment plans and recommendations
c. Automatically Collected Data
IP addressBrowser typeWebsite usage analytics
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
To provide hearing healthcare services
To schedule and confirm appointments
To communicate with you about your care
To process payments and insurance claims
To send marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
4. HIPAA Compliance & Protection of PHI
We adhere to HIPAA regulations to ensure the security and confidentiality of your health information:
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. We only share PHI with authorized individuals and entities. You have the right to access, amend, and request restrictions on your PHI.
5. A2P Messaging Compliance
If you opt-in to receive SMS/text communications, we comply with A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-digit Long Code) requirements:
You consent to receive appointment reminders, updates, and marketing messages.You can opt-out at any time by replying “STOP” to our messages.Message and data rates may apply.Your phone number will not be shared or sold.
6. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
We may share your information with:
Healthcare providers involved in your careInsurance providers for billing purposes
Third-party service providers that assist with our operations (under confidentiality agreements)
Law enforcement or government agencies when required by law
All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
7. GoHighLevel Platform & Data Security
We use GoHighLevel for appointment scheduling, customer relationship management, and messaging.
GoHighLevel is HIPAA-compliant, and we ensure that your data remains secure:
All communications via GoHighLevel are encrypted.
Data is stored in secure, access-controlled systems.Access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
8. Your Rights & Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal and health data:
Access & Correction:You can request access to your records and correct any inaccuracies.
Opt-Out:You can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
Request Restrictions:You can request limits on how your PHI is used or shared.
File a Complaint:If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can contact us or file a complaint with theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal and health data as required by law and professional guidelines. If you request deletion of your data, we will comply unless retention is legally required.
10. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The most recent version will always be available on our website.
Contact Us
If you have questions or comments about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
WNC Audiology
261 Asheland Avenue, Asheville NC 28801