Legal Policy

Effective Date: December 14, 2024

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Legal Compliance Statement

American Endocrine (AE) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable federal laws of the United States, as well as state and local laws and regulations of Georgia governing healthcare providers. We continuously monitor legal developments at both national and state levels, updating our policies and practices to ensure ongoing compliance. Our commitment to legal and ethical standards is fundamental to our mission of providing high-quality healthcare services in Georgia and beyond.

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1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy and Terms of Service outline the principles and practices governing the collection, use, and protection of your personal information when you interact with our website and digital platforms. This policy applies to your use of our website, online services, and any digital communications with American Endocrine (AE).

Please note that this online policy is separate from the informed consent and other agreements related to actual medical services, surgical procedures, and in-person care, which will be provided and discussed during your clinical visits. By using our website or engaging with our online services, you consent to the terms outlined in this digital privacy policy and terms of service.

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2. Privacy Policy

2.1 Information Collection and Use

a) Personal Information: AE collects personal information such as your name, contact details, medical history, and other relevant data through patient forms, online inquiries, and digital interactions. This information is essential for providing personalized healthcare services and for administrative purposes.

b) Digital Interactions: We gather data generated during your online interactions with our website, including visits, ad interactions, and social media engagement. This data helps us with analytics, optimization, and delivering personalized content that may be of interest to you.

c) Ads Tracking: Our website utilizes tracking technologies like cookies to analyze ad performance and to offer targeted content based on your interests. These technologies help us understand user behavior and improve our online services.

2.2 Use of Information

The information we collect is utilized to enhance our services, personalize your experience, and ensure we comply with healthcare regulations. We may also use this information for communication about our services and notices relevant to your care.

2.3 Third-Party Services

AE may engage third-party services for functions such as analytics and advertising. These third parties may collect and process data in accordance with their own privacy policies, which we do not control but expect to align with our commitment to privacy.

2.4 Data Security

a) Secure Storage: We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

b) Confidentiality: We maintain the highest level of confidentiality for all patient medical records and sensitive information, in compliance with healthcare regulations and ethical standards.

2.5 Patient Rights and Choices

a) Access and Control: You have the right to access your personal health information (PHI) and control its use. AE will provide you with access to your PHI upon request and will only share your information with third parties with your explicit consent, except as required by law.

b) Authorization for Disclosure: If you wish to have your PHI disclosed to a third party, such as an attorney or family member, you must provide a written authorization.

c) Revocation of Authorization: You may revoke your authorization for the use and disclosure of your PHI at any time, except to the extent that AE has already taken action based on your authorization.

2.6 Changes to Privacy Policy

AE reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices and service offerings. If we make a significant change to our policy, we will post a notice on our website and update the Privacy Policy accordingly.

2.7 Surgical Consent and Information

We obtain informed consent for all surgical procedures. This process includes discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives. Your consent and related documentation become part of your medical record.

2.8 Emergency Situations

In emergencies, we may use or disclose your information without prior consent to provide necessary treatment.

2.9 Telemedicine Services

If applicable, our telemedicine services are subject to the same privacy protections as in-person visits. We will disclose known additional risks associated with electronic communication prior to telemedicine sessions. However, given the evolving nature of technology, there may be unforeseen risks. We encourage patients to discuss any concerns about telemedicine with their healthcare provider.

2.10 Data Retention

We retain patient data in accordance with state and federal regulations.

2.11 International Patients

For patients from outside the US, be aware that your information may be subject to both US and your home country's laws.

2.12 Financial Information

Payment information is collected and processed securely. We do not store complete credit card information on our servers.

2.13 Research

If we conduct or participate in medical research, your data may be used only with your explicit consent or as permitted by law.

2.14 Minors

For patients under 18, we collect information from and communicate with parents or legal guardians according to state law.

2.15 Staff Access

Access to patient information is restricted to staff members who need it to perform their jobs. All staff are trained in privacy practices.

2.16 Security Breach Protocol

In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law.

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3. Terms of Service

3.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the AE website and services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this agreement.

3.2 Medical Advice Disclaimer

The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

3.3 User Obligations

You agree to provide accurate and complete information about yourself as requested in our patient portal forms, including but not limited to intake forms, contact information forms, and any other digital questionnaires or documents we may provide. You also agree to promptly update this information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

3.4 Prohibited Activities

Users are prohibited from using the site to transmit unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, or otherwise objectionable content, or to impersonate any person or entity.

3.5 Intellectual Property Rights

The content, organization, graphics, design, and other matters related to the site are protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary rights.

3.6 Third-Party Links

This site may contain links to other websites. AE is not responsible for the contents of any linked site.

3.7 Termination of Use

AE may, in its sole discretion, terminate or suspend your access to all or part of the site and the services for any reason, including breach of this agreement.

3.8 Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and applicable federal laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to this agreement or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Georgia, U.S.A. Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

3.9 Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide the highest quality of care, American Endocrine (AE) cannot guarantee specific outcomes from surgical or medical procedures. We are committed to adhering to the accepted standards of medical practice in our field. AE's liability, if any, will be determined in accordance with applicable state and federal laws governing medical malpractice and patient rights. Nothing in this agreement is intended to waive your rights as a patient or limit liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

3.10 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from our services shall first be subject to mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Georgia.

3.11 Updates to Medical Records

Patients may request updates or corrections to their medical records in writing. We will respond to such requests in a promptly manner in accordance with the law.

3.12 Marketing Communications

Patients may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us.

3.13 Social Media Policy

We maintain a strict policy of not sharing patient information on social media without prior consent. Patients are advised not to share personal health information on our social media platforms.

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4. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy and Terms of Service or the handling of your personal information, please contact us using the information provided on our website.

By engaging with AE's services, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described in this document. Your continued use of our services following any updates to this policy will signify your acceptance of the changes.