Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Vertex Podiatry ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website at vertexpodiatry.com or contact our practice.

By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, and mailing address provided through our contact form or when scheduling an appointment.
• Health Information: General descriptions of symptoms or conditions you voluntarily share through our contact form or in-person consultations. This information is protected under HIPAA.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our website, including pages visited, time spent, and browser type, collected via standard web analytics.
• Communication Records: Copies of correspondence you send us, including emails and form submissions.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries and schedule appointments.
• To provide, coordinate, and manage your podiatric care.
• To send appointment reminders, follow-up communications, and administrative notices.
• To improve our website and patient experience.
• To comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
• To prevent fraud and ensure the security of our systems.

4. HIPAA Notice

As a healthcare provider, Vertex Podiatry is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Any protected health information (PHI) you share with us is handled in accordance with our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to patients at the time of their first visit and is available upon request at our office.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your protected health information. We may share PHI only as permitted or required by law - for example, for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, or with your written authorization.

5. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website, scheduling systems, or billing services - all bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Obligations: When required by law, court order, or government authority.
• Emergency Situations: To protect the vital interests of you or another person.
• With Your Consent: Any other disclosure made only with your explicit consent.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect usage analytics. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some features of our website may not function properly without cookies.

We do not use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. Any analytics data collected is aggregated and anonymized.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our website uses HTTPS encryption for all data transmitted between your browser and our servers.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as online scheduling platforms or patient portals). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

11. Changes to This 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. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

You may also visit our contact page to send us a message directly.