Privacy Policy

Introduction

Breathewell Pulmonary Clinic ("we," "us," "our"), located at 3450 E Fletcher Ave, Suite 260, Tampa, FL 33613, is committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA and applicable Florida state law.

Information We Collect

We collect and maintain various categories of information to provide you with quality medical care:

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and insurance details
• Medical Information: Health history, diagnoses, treatment records, laboratory results, imaging reports, prescriptions, and clinical notes
• Billing Information: Insurance claims, payment records, copay and deductible information, and financial data
• Digital Information: IP address, browser type, cookies, and data collected through our website

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing medical treatment and coordinating your respiratory care
• Processing insurance claims and managing billing
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories
• Sending appointment reminders via phone, email, or text message
• Quality improvement initiatives and medical research (with authorization)
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

How We Share Your Information

Your health information is shared only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards:

• With your explicit consent for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
• With insurance companies for claims processing and coverage verification
• With referring physicians and specialists involved in your care
• With laboratories, imaging centers, pharmacies, and other healthcare entities
• As required by law, including public health reporting, court orders, and law enforcement requests
• We never sell your personal information to third parties

SMS / Text Messaging Privacy

When you opt in to receive text messages from Breathewell Pulmonary Clinic (for example, appointment confirmations or appointment reminders), we collect your mobile phone number and your consent record.

• No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile opt-in data and consent are not shared with any third party.
• Information sharing with subcontractors that support our text messaging program (for example, our messaging platform provider) is permitted only to the extent necessary to deliver the messages you have requested.
• Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
• You can reply STOP at any time to opt out, or reply HELP for assistance.
• For support, contact us at 813-419-3108 or visit breathewellmd.com.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have important rights regarding your health information:

• Right to Access: You may request and receive a copy of your medical records
• Right to Amendment: You may request corrections or amendments to your health information
• Right to Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your information
• Right to Confidential Communication: You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or locations
• Right to Accounting: You may receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information
• Right to a Paper Copy: You are entitled to receive a paper copy of this notice upon request
• Right to File a Complaint: You may file a complaint with our practice or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Website Privacy

Our website uses cookies and analytics to improve your experience. We use these technologies to understand how visitors use our site and to enhance functionality. Our website uses SSL encryption to protect data transmitted through online forms. Any personal information you submit through our website is treated with the same confidentiality as your medical records. Please note that external links to third-party websites are provided for your convenience, but we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

Data Security

We implement comprehensive safeguards to protect your information:

• Physical safeguards including secure office access and locked storage of records
• Electronic safeguards including encrypted electronic health records and secure data transmission
• Procedural safeguards including staff training and access controls
• Regular HIPAA compliance training for all staff members
• Breach notification procedures in accordance with HIPAA requirements to notify affected individuals in case of unauthorized access

Telehealth Privacy

When you use our telehealth services, your privacy is protected with the same standards as in-person visits. We use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms that encrypt your communications. Telehealth sessions are not recorded without your explicit written consent. You have the same rights and protections under HIPAA whether you receive care in person or through telehealth.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

Breathewell Pulmonary Clinic
Privacy Officer
3450 E Fletcher Ave, Suite 260
Tampa, FL 33613
Phone: (813) 419-3108
Email: office@breathewellmd.com

To file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
www.hhs.gov/ocr