Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 1, 2025

Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal and health information.

HIPAA Compliance

As a physician providing healthcare services, I comply fully with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your health information is protected under federal law. You will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices at your first appointment that provides detailed information about how your health information may be used and disclosed.

Information I Collect

When you become a patient, I collect:

  • Personal identification information (name, address, phone, email)

  • Health history and current health information

  • Information about your treatment and progress

  • Billing and insurance information (if applicable)

How I Use Your Information

Your information is used exclusively for:

  • Providing your treatment

  • Communicating with you about appointments and care

  • Billing purposes (if applicable)

  • Legal requirements (such as responding to court orders)

  • Coordinating with other healthcare providers when you provide authorization

Information Security

I maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information:

  • Secure, encrypted storage of electronic records

  • Limited access to information (only I and essential administrative staff)

  • Secure video platform for remote sessions

  • HIPAA-compliant handling of all paperwork and communications

Information Sharing

I will not share your information without your written authorization except:

  • When legally required (court orders, mandated reporting of abuse)

  • In medical emergencies where your safety is at risk

  • To coordinate care with other providers when you've authorized this

I do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your health records

  • Request corrections to your records

  • Request restrictions on use of your information

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • Receive confidential communications

  • File a complaint if you believe your privacy has been violated

Website Information

This website does not use tracking cookies or collect browsing data. Any information you submit through contact forms is transmitted securely and used only to respond to your inquiry.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The effective date at the top indicates when it was last revised. Continued use of services after changes constitutes acceptance of updated policy.

Questions

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact me at 203-940-2995 or pwgmd@drgardnerhypnosis.com.