Privacy Policy
**Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices for Ascent Integrative Medicine January 2026**
1. Introduction
Ascent Integrative Medicine (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This document explains:
- Our general website privacy practices; and
- Our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for how we handle Protected Health Information (PHI) in connection with your healthcare.
This policy applies to individuals who visit our website and to our patients receiving healthcare services. Use of the website or receipt of healthcare services means you accept this policy.
Part A - Website Privacy Policy
2. What We Collect
a. Information You Provide:
When you contact us via forms, email, or phone, you may provide:
- Name
- Contact information (phone, email)
- Appointment requests
- Messages or questions
b. Automatically Collected Data:
We may collect technical information (e.g., IP address, browser type) for analytics and site improvement. We do not correlate this with your health information.
c. Cookies & Tracking:
We may use cookies or similar tracking tools. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may impact site functionality.
3. Use of Collected Information
We use this information to:
- Respond to inquiries
- Provide website functionality
- Improve site performance
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
4. Third-Party Services
We may engage third parties (hosting, analytics, email services). We require them to follow privacy standards and not use your information beyond what is necessary to provide services.
Part B - HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
(Required for Healthcare Services in Texas)**
Under federal law (HIPAA), when you receive medical care from Ascent Integrative Medicine, we collect and use Protected Health Information (PHI). This section explains how we may use and disclose your PHI and your rights under the law.
5. Who Must Comply
As a healthcare provider receiving PHI, we are a covered entity under HIPAA. We are required by law to protect the privacy of your PHI and to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.
6. How We May Use and Disclose PHI
We may use or disclose PHI for:
a. Treatment:
To provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare. For example, sharing your information with other providers involved in your care.
b. Payment:
To obtain payment for healthcare services, including billing or insurance claims.
c. Healthcare Operations:
For quality assessment, training, and administrative activities.
d. Required by Law:
We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law (including reporting communicable diseases or responding to courts, law enforcement, or government agencies).
e. With Your Authorization:
For uses not described above (e.g., marketing), we will seek your written authorization.
We do not sell your health information.
7. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the right to:
- Inspect and obtain a copy of PHI that we maintain.
- Request amendments to your PHI.
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures (we are not required to agree).
- Receive confidential communications by alternative means (e.g., email vs. phone).
- Request an accounting of disclosures made without your authorization.
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights were violated (see section 10). (HHS.gov)
8. Your HIPAA Rights in Texas
In addition to HIPAA, Texas law (including the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act) protects your PHI and may provide additional requirements regarding consent and privacy, especially for marketing or disclosure beyond HIPAA permitted uses.
9. Changes to This Notice
We may revise this policy. We will post the updated Notice with the new effective date on our website and make it available upon request.
10. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated:
- Contact Us: Use our contact information above.
- Texas Complaint: File with the Texas Attorney General or appropriate Texas agency.
- Federal Complaint: Contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Office for Civil Rights.
Filing a complaint will not affect your care.
Part C - Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no system is completely secure.
Part D - Children’s Privacy
Our site and services are not directed to individuals under 18, and we do not intentionally collect information from minors.
Part E - Links to Other Sites
Our website may contain links to third-party sites; we are not responsible for their privacy practices.