Privacy Policy

Information You Provide to Us

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide through the Website or when you communicate with us, including:

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Contact preferences
• Appointment-related information
• Information submitted through online forms
• Communications you send to our practice
• Other information you choose to provide

Please do not submit sensitive medical information through a general website contact form unless the form is specifically designated for that purpose and identified as secure.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Website, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies, server logs, analytics technologies, and similar tools. Depending upon the technologies used on the Website, this information may include:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address
• Browser and device type
• Operating system
• Referring website
• Pages viewed
• Date and time of access
• General geographic information
• Interactions with Website features

We may use this information to operate and secure the Website, understand how visitors use it, improve its performance and content, and evaluate the effectiveness of our outreach and marketing activities.

Cookies and Analytics Technologies

The Website may use cookies and similar technologies to support Website functionality, understand Website traffic and usage, improve user experience, and measure the effectiveness of our communications.

Some of these technologies may be provided by third parties. Where required by applicable law, we will provide appropriate choices regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies.

We take additional precautions regarding tracking technologies in areas of the Website where information could constitute protected health information or other sensitive health information.

How We Use Information

We may use information collected through the Website to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve the Website;
• Respond to inquiries and requests;
• Facilitate appointment requests and communications;
• Provide information about our practice and services;
• Maintain the security and integrity of the Website;
• Understand Website usage and performance;
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements; and
• Carry out other purposes disclosed to you when information is collected.

We do not sell protected health information.

Health Information and HIPAA

Certain information collected by DC Orthopedics in connection with providing health care may constitute protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) and other applicable laws.

Our use and disclosure of protected health information is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is separate from this Website Privacy Policy.

If there is a conflict between this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices regarding protected health information, the Notice of Privacy Practices will govern.

Third-Party Services and Links

The Website may contain links to or integrate with services operated by third parties, such as patient portals, appointment or communication platforms, reimbursement-support services, mapping services, social-media platforms, or other resources.

When you leave our Website or interact directly with a third-party service, that third party’s privacy practices and terms may apply. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those services.

The inclusion of a link to a third-party website or service does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of that site’s content, security, or privacy practices.

Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information under our control. However, no website, electronic communication, or method of electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

For that reason, you should not use general email or non-secure Website forms to communicate urgent or highly sensitive medical information.

Maryland Privacy Rights

Maryland residents may have certain rights concerning their personal data under applicable Maryland law, including rights relating to access, correction, deletion, and certain uses or disclosures of personal data.

These rights are subject to applicable exceptions and limitations, including exceptions that may apply to information governed by HIPAA and other health privacy laws.

Requests regarding applicable privacy rights may be submitted using the contact information below.

Children’s Privacy

The Website is intended to provide information about DC Orthopedics and its services and is not directed to children for the purpose of independently collecting personal information from them.

We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children in violation of applicable law. Parents or legal guardians who believe that a child has submitted personal information through the Website may contact us regarding that information.

Communications

If you provide your email address or telephone number, we may use that information to respond to your inquiry or communicate with you regarding our services as permitted by applicable law.

Email and standard text messaging may not always be secure. Please avoid transmitting sensitive medical information through unsecured communications.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our Website, practices, technologies, or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will update the effective date displayed at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

For information regarding the use and disclosure of protected health information and your HIPAA rights, please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices.