Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 1, 2025

1. Introduction
Amber Dermatology PLLC  (“We,” “our,” or “us”) are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through www.amber-dermatology.com (the “Website”), and in connection with dermatology care.
This policy applies to information we collect on the Website and in email, text, or other electronic messages between you and the Website.
By using our Website, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
 
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
a. Personal Information
•    Name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address
•    Parent or legal guardian information for minor patients
•    Payment information for self-pay services
•    Appointment scheduling and communication preferences
b. Protected Health Information (PHI)
•    Any medical or health information provided to us through the Website or during medical visits will be treated as protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA
•    Photographs or images relevant to care
•    Information submitted through intake forms, secure messaging, telehealth platforms, or patient portals
c. Website and Technical Information
•    IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited
•    Cookies or similar technologies used for basic website functionality and analytics
 
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
•    Provide dermatology evaluation and treatment
•    Communicate regarding appointments, care, and payments
•    Maintain medical records as required by Connecticut and federal law
•    Process direct-pay and Medicare transactions
•    Improve website performance and patient experience
•    Comply with legal, regulatory, and public health obligations
•    With your explicit consent, we may send you emails regarding promotions, news or updates from Amber Dermatology. You may opt out at any time.
We do not participate with commercial insurance plans and do not submit insurance claims for commercial insurance.
 
4. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose information only as permitted or required by law, including:
•    To healthcare providers, laboratories, or pharmacies involved in your care
•    To vendors that support our operations (e.g., electronic health records, payment processors), under confidentiality agreements
•    To parents or legal guardians of minor patients, consistent with Connecticut law
•    To comply with court orders, subpoenas, or public health requirements
We do not sell, rent, or use patient information for marketing purposes.
 
5. HIPAA Compliance
We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable Connecticut privacy laws. We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
 
6. Communications
We may communicate with patients or guardians by phone, email, text message, or secure portal regarding care, scheduling, and payment. While we take reasonable steps to protect electronic communications, no method is entirely secure. You may request limitations on communication methods at any time.
 
7. Minors
We provide care to patients under 18 years of age with the involvement of a parent or legal guardian, except where Connecticut law permits minors to consent to specific healthcare services. Access to a minor’s medical information is handled in accordance with applicable state and federal law.
Our Website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. No one under age 13 may provide any information to or on the Website. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are under 13, do not use or provide any information on this Website or on or through any of its features/register on the Website, or provide any information about yourself to us. If we learn we have collected or received personal information from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. 
 
8. Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies or basic analytics tools to understand website usage and improve functionality. These tools do not collect sensitive medical information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings.
 
9. Data Security
We use reasonable safeguards to protect personal and health information. However, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
 
10. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:
•    Request access to your medical records
•    Request amendments or corrections
•    Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
•    Receive an accounting of disclosures
These rights do not override our obligations to retain medical records as required by healthcare laws. Requests must be submitted in writing.
 
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

 12. SMS Communications

Amber Dermatology PLLC respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information in connection with our SMS (text message) communications.

When you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive SMS messages from Amber Dermatology PLLC, the messages we send will depend on the services you receive and the consent you provide. These may include: appointment confirmations, reminders, and scheduling updates; links to intake forms and medical questionnaires; lab, pathology, and test result notifications; prescription and refill notifications; billing and payment notifications and reminders; patient care notes and updates; and requests for reviews or feedback about your experience. Where you have separately opted in, we may also send marketing or promotional messages about our practice and services.

Some message types require separate consent, and you may opt in to or out of different categories of messages independently where that option is offered. Marketing and promotional messages are sent only to patients who have separately consented to receive them, and consenting to those messages is never a condition of treatment.

SMS message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and the types of messages you have consented to receive. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. You may reply START to resubscribe or HELP for assistance.

Your mobile phone number and SMS consent information are used to provide the text-message communications you have consented to receive and related patient services. SMS consent is not a condition of treatment.

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS consent information with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except the service providers described below who help us deliver these messages.

We may use service providers that assist in delivering SMS messages on our behalf. These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

Please note that SMS is not a secure or encrypted method of communication. Standard text messages are not encrypted, and anyone with access to your mobile device may be able to view them. Please do not include sensitive medical or financial information in your replies to our text messages. To provide medical or financial information, use the secure links in our messages, such as intake forms, payment notifications, or questionnaires, or contact our office directly.

You are responsible for notifying us if your mobile phone number changes or is reassigned.

By opting in to receive SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to these SMS terms and privacy practices.

13. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Amber Dermatology PLLC
35 Corporate Drive, Suite 130, Trumbull, CT 06611
203-951-5719