Effective Date: April 22, 2026 Last Updated: April 22, 2026
Choice Podiatry Center (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website choicepodiatrycenter.com, use our services, or communicate with us.
By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you interact with us, we may collect the following personal information:
- Contact Information: Full name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Demographic Information: Date of birth, gender
- Medical Information: Medical history, current conditions, medications, allergies, treatment records
- Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy number, group number
- Emergency Contact: Name and phone number of emergency contact
- Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed through secure third-party processors)
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Information from Forms and Communications
We collect information you provide through:
- Online appointment request forms
- Contact forms
- Chat widget conversations
- Phone calls
- Email correspondence
- SMS text messages
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Provide Medical Care: Diagnose, treat, and manage your podiatric health
- Schedule Appointments: Book, confirm, reschedule, and remind you of appointments
- Communications: Send appointment reminders, follow-ups, and healthcare updates via SMS, email, or phone
- Insurance Processing: Verify coverage and submit claims
- Billing and Payment: Process payments and manage accounts
- Legal Compliance: Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
- Service Improvement: Enhance our services and patient experience
- Marketing: Send promotional materials (with your consent)
3. SMS / Text Messaging Communications
Consent and Enrollment
By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS text messages from Choice Podiatry Center. These may include:
- Appointment confirmations and reminders
- Healthcare communications
- Follow-up messages
- Promotional offers (optional)
- Educational health information
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and communication preferences. You may receive up to 10 messages per month.
Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier’s plan.
Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by:
After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message, and no further SMS messages will be sent.
Help and Support
For help or questions about our SMS program:
Carrier Disclaimer
Choice Podiatry Center is not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
4. HIPAA Compliance
As a healthcare provider, we are committed to protecting your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
- Access your medical records
- Request corrections to your records
- Receive an accounting of disclosures
- Request restrictions on use/disclosure
- Request confidential communications
- File a complaint without retaliation
How We Protect Your PHI
- Administrative safeguards (staff training, policies)
- Physical safeguards (secure facilities, locked records)
- Technical safeguards (encryption, access controls)
- Regular security audits and updates
For more information, please review our Notice of Privacy Practices, available at our office.
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
For Treatment Purposes
- Other healthcare providers involved in your care
- Laboratories and diagnostic facilities
- Specialists we refer you to
For Payment Purposes
- Insurance companies
- Billing services
- Collection agencies (if applicable)
For Healthcare Operations
- Quality assessment activities
- Credentialing and peer review
- Business associates (with signed agreements)
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law:
- Court orders or subpoenas
- Public health reporting
- Law enforcement requests
- Preventing serious harm
Third-Party Service Providers
We work with trusted service providers who help us operate our practice:
- Practice management software
- Appointment scheduling systems
- Communication platforms (SMS, email)
- Payment processors
- Website hosting
All third-party providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:
- SSL encryption for website transmissions
- Encrypted storage of electronic health records
- Password-protected systems
- Regular security updates
- Staff training on privacy practices
- Access controls and audit logs
While we take reasonable measures to secure your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Access and Correction
You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.
Opt-Out of Communications
You may opt out of:
- Marketing emails (unsubscribe link in each email)
- SMS messages (reply STOP)
- Phone calls (request during call)
Data Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal obligations to retain medical records.
Do Not Track
Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze website traffic
- Improve user experience
- Deliver relevant content
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
9. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
For patients under 18, we require parental or legal guardian consent for treatment and information sharing.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Data Retention
We retain your information as long as:
- Your account is active
- Required for legal compliance (medical records: minimum 10 years in Georgia)
- Necessary for ongoing care
- Needed to resolve disputes
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or notice on our website.
Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Choice Podiatry Center 540 Powder Springs St SW, Suite B6 Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: (770) 702-8723 Email: info@choicepodiatrycenter.com Website: choicepodiatrycenter.com
Privacy Officer: Dr. Vivian Iwu
14. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
- Choice Podiatry Center: Contact our Privacy Officer at the information above
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office for Civil Rights 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20201 (877) 696-6775 www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of April 22, 2026.
