GUYBARB Medical Practice Privacy Notice
Last Updated: [Insert Date]
GUYBARB (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a New Jersey-based medical practice committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information and Protected Health Information (“PHI”).
This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our online services, or receive care from us, including telehealth services, patient portal access, and SMS appointment reminders.
By using our website or Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Notice.
1. Important Note: Website Information vs. Medical Records
This Privacy Notice applies to information collected via our website, telehealth platform, patient portal, and related digital services.
Your medical records and PHI are also governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which patients receive separately as required by law.
2. Information We Collect
A. Personal and Contact Information
When you use our website or Services, we may collect:
- Name, email, phone number, mailing address
- Insurance information (if submitted online)
- Appointment requests
- Messages submitted through contact forms, patient portal, or telehealth platform
B. Protected Health Information (PHI)
If you are a patient, we may collect:
- Medical history, diagnosis, treatment plans
- Telehealth session notes
- Lab results and imaging
- Prescription information
- Insurance and billing information
PHI is collected, stored, and disclosed in compliance with HIPAA and New Jersey law (NJ Stat § 45:9-42 et seq.).
C. Automatically Collected Website Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited, links clicked, date and time of access
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information and PHI to:
- Provide in-person and telehealth care
- Schedule and manage appointments
- Communicate test results or follow-up care instructions
- Process insurance claims and payments
- Send appointment reminders via email, phone, or SMS (compliant with TCPA)
- Respond to inquiries
- Improve website, telehealth, and portal functionality
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell personal or medical information.
4. HIPAA and NJ Healthcare Privacy Compliance
GUYBARB complies with HIPAA and applicable New Jersey medical privacy laws.
- Safeguards: Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards protect PHI.
- Permitted Disclosures: PHI may be disclosed for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, legal requirements, or with your authorization.
- Patient Rights: Access, amendment, accounting of disclosures, request restrictions, and confidential communications.
For full details, refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
5. Telehealth Services
Telehealth appointments are conducted using secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
- Video and audio sessions are encrypted to protect your privacy.
- Telehealth may have limitations compared to in-person care.
- You must be in a location where telehealth is legally permitted.
6. Patient Portal
The patient portal allows you to:
- View lab results
- Message providers securely
- Request prescription refills
- Schedule or cancel appointments
Access requires a unique login and password. Do not share your credentials.
7. SMS/Text Appointment Reminders
GUYBARB may send appointment reminders via SMS.
- By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages.
- Messages may contain appointment details and practice announcements.
- You may opt out by replying “STOP” to any message or contacting our office.
- We comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
8. Cookies & Website Analytics
We use cookies and analytics tools to:
- Improve website performance
- Understand website traffic
- Enhance user experience
Cookies do not access your medical records. You may disable cookies via your browser, but some features may not function properly.
9. How We Share Your Information
A. Business Associates
We may share information with third-party service providers who support:
- Billing and payment processing
- IT and cloud hosting
- Telehealth platform services
- Patient portal management
All business associates sign HIPAA-compliant agreements.
B. Legal & Regulatory Disclosures
We may disclose information to:
- Public health authorities
- Law enforcement (as required by law)
- Court orders or subpoenas
C. Insurance Providers
For claims processing and payment purposes only.
We do not sell personal or medical information.
10. Your Rights
Patients have the right to:
- Access and obtain copies of PHI
- Request corrections or amendments
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
- Receive confidential communications
- Obtain an accounting of disclosures
- File complaints without retaliation
New Jersey patients may have additional state rights under NJ Stat § 45:9-42 et seq.
To exercise these rights, contact our office at:
GUYBARB
8 Quakerbridge Plaza, Suite E
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-245-8759
Email: [Insert HIPAA Privacy Officer Email]
11. Data Retention
We retain PHI and personal information in accordance with HIPAA and New Jersey medical record retention laws (generally at least 6 years for adult records, longer for minors).
12. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13 without parental consent. PHI for minors is handled in compliance with HIPAA and NJ law.
13. Security Measures
We implement:
- Encrypted communications for telehealth and portal
- Secure electronic health record systems
- Staff training on privacy and security
- Access control and audit trails
No system is 100% secure, but we strive to maintain strong safeguards.
14. Third-Party Websites
Links to other websites are provided for convenience. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before sharing information.
15. Changes to This Privacy Notice
Updates to this Notice will be posted on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Notice.
16. Contact Information
For questions or privacy-related concerns:
GUYBARB
8 Quakerbridge Plaza, Suite E
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-245-8759
Email: [Insert HIPAA Privacy Officer Email]
