Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy
St. Michael’s Eye and Laser Institute (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose your personal information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA), and the Florida Telephone Solicitation Act.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked with you. This includes:

Contact Information: Name, mailing address, and phone number.
Health Information: Information related to your medical history, treatments, and insurance, handled in accordance with HIPAA standards.
Technical Data: IP addresses, browser type, and usage data collected through our website to improve our services and user experience.
Explicit Information: Information you provide via contact forms, appointment requests, or registration portals.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to provide high-quality care and to facilitate the growth and efficiency of our practice. Usage includes:

Treatment & Healthcare Operations: To manage your care and perform business functions such as quality assessment, business planning, and administrative activities.
Marketing of Health-Related Services: We may use your information to contact you about health-related products, elective procedures, or services provided by St. Michael’s Eye and Laser Institute that we believe may be of interest to you, as permitted under HIPAA.
De-Identified Data: We reserve the right to use and share “de-identified” data (information where all personal identifiers have been removed) for any lawful purpose, including research, analysis, and practice benchmarking.
SMS Services: To send automated text messages for appointment reminders, wellness checks, and practice updates (where consent is provided).

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties. We share information only as follows:

Business Associates: With trusted vendors who assist us in operating our practice and provide technical or administrative services, provided they agree to maintain the confidentiality of your data via a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or government regulation.
SMS Consent Privacy: SMS consent and phone numbers are not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. SMS consent is not shared with third parties.

4. SMS and Text Messaging Terms

By providing your mobile number and opting in to receive messages, you agree to the following:

Consent: You provide express written consent to receive recurring automated messages. Consent is not a condition of purchase or receiving medical care.
Opt-Out: You may opt-out at any time by replying STOP to any message.
Help: Reply HELP for assistance or contact our office directly at 727-202-2020.
Florida Residents: We strictly adhere to Florida’s calling and texting windows (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST).

5. Data Security

We employ industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption and secure firewalls. While we protect your data on our servers, clear-text web forms are not fully encrypted; we recommend calling our office directly to share highly sensitive medical details.

6. Your Rights

Under HIPAA and Florida law, you have the right to request access to your records and request amendments to your data. To exercise these rights, please contact Gregory Michaelos via the phone number below.

7. Contact Information

For questions regarding this policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Gregory Michaelos St. Michael’s Eye and Laser Institute [Your Physical Address, Florida]