Privacy Policy
Effective Date: October 28, 2024
At Ziehmer Orthodontics, we value the trust our patients and website visitors place in us. Protecting your personal information is an important part of the care and service we provide. This Privacy Policy explains how information may be collected, used, stored, and shared when you visit our website, communicate with our office, request an appointment, or utilize our services.
By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
How We Protect Your Information
Protecting personal information is an important responsibility at Ziehmer Orthodontics. We are committed to maintaining appropriate safeguards and handling information in a manner that supports patient trust, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable privacy requirements.
Personal Data You Choose to Share
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide through our website or directly to our office, including when you:
- Request an appointment
- Complete a contact form
- Submit a consultation request
- Communicate with our team
- Subscribe to updates or promotional communications
Information you provide may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Insurance information
- Treatment interests or concerns
- Any other information voluntarily submitted
In addition, certain technical information may be collected automatically when you interact with our website, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Operating system
- Pages viewed
- Website activity and usage patterns
- Referral and traffic source information
How Information Supports Our Services
The information we collect helps us provide a better experience for patients and website visitors. We may use information to:
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Schedule appointments and consultations
- Provide patient support and service communications
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Analyze website performance and visitor engagement
- Monitor website security and technical performance
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
- Inform patients about practice updates, services, and promotions
- Carry out any purpose disclosed at the time information is collected
Cookies, Analytics, and Website Performance Tools
Our website may use cookies, analytics services, and similar technologies to improve functionality and better understand visitor interactions.
These technologies may be used to:
- Analyze website traffic and visitor behavior
- Improve navigation and site performance
- Measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts
- Maintain website security
- Remember user preferences
Most web browsers allow users to manage cookie settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on the website.
Practice Communications
When you provide contact information to our office, we may communicate with you regarding:
- Appointment scheduling
- Appointment reminders
- Treatment-related updates
- Office announcements
- Customer service matters
Where permitted by law, we may also provide information regarding services, promotions, special offers, or practice news. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.
Text Message Communications
Patients who provide a mobile telephone number may receive text messages related to appointments, reminders, treatment updates, or administrative communications.
Participation in text messaging programs is voluntary. Standard messaging and data rates may apply according to your wireless carrier. Instructions for opting out will be provided when applicable.
Healthcare Information and Confidentiality
Ziehmer Orthodontics recognizes the importance of safeguarding patient information.
Information related to consultations, treatment, healthcare services, and patient communications is maintained using appropriate confidentiality and security measures. Access to such information is restricted to authorized individuals who require access to perform their responsibilities and provide services.
Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
Information may be shared when necessary to:
- Provide requested services
- Coordinate patient care
- Process insurance claims and benefits
- Work with trusted service providers and vendors
- Comply with legal, regulatory, or governmental requirements
- Protect the rights, property, safety, and security of our patients, staff, and practice
Third parties performing services on our behalf are expected to maintain appropriate safeguards and confidentiality standards.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties.
Once you leave our website, any information you provide is subject to the privacy practices of the external website. We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they choose to visit.
How Long Information Is Kept
Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill business, healthcare, operational, legal, and regulatory obligations.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information involved and applicable recordkeeping requirements.
Data Security Measures
We employ reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to help protect personal information from unauthorized access, misuse, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
While we continually work to protect information using accepted security practices, no method of electronic transmission or storage can guarantee absolute security.
Children’s Information
This website is intended for a general audience and is not directed toward children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental involvement or consent. If you believe information has been submitted by a child without authorization, please contact our office so we may review and address the matter.
Managing Your Personal Information
Subject to applicable laws, individuals may have certain rights regarding their personal information, including the ability to:
- Request access to personal information
- Request corrections or updates
- Request deletion where permitted by law
- Withdraw consent in certain circumstances
- Ask questions regarding privacy practices and information handling
Requests regarding personal information may be submitted using the contact information provided below.
State Privacy Rights
Residents of certain states may have additional privacy rights under applicable laws. Depending on your state of residence, you may have the right to request information regarding the collection, use, disclosure, correction, or deletion of personal information. We will review and respond to qualifying requests in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Do Not Track Signals
Some internet browsers provide a “Do Not Track” feature that allows users to communicate privacy preferences to websites. Because there is currently no universally recognized standard governing these signals, our website may not respond to all Do Not Track requests.
Policy Updates
We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, legal obligations, or operational requirements.
Any updates will be posted on this page along with the revised effective date. Continued use of the website following the posting of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: om@ziehmerortho.com