1. Introduction
Teleconnect Services (doing business as Hematology Care) ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable federal and state privacy laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your Protected Health Information (PHI) and personal information when you use our website, services, or communicate with us.
HIPAA Notice: This Privacy Policy serves as our Notice of Privacy Practices as required by HIPAA. If you have questions about how we handle your health information, please contact us at 346-289-7575.
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Protected Health Information (PHI)
As a healthcare provider and clinical laboratory, we collect and maintain PHI that may include:
- Personal identifiers (name, address, phone number, email, date of birth)
- Medical and health information (test results, diagnoses, treatment history)
- Insurance and billing information
- Laboratory test orders and results
- Provider communications and referrals
- Appointment and scheduling information
2.2 Contact and Communication Information
When you contact us through our website, forms, or phone, we collect:
- Name, email address, and phone number
- Messages and inquiries you send to us
- SMS consent preferences
- Communication preferences
2.3 Technical and Website Information
We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:
- IP address and browser type
- Device information and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website or source
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations
We use your PHI for:
- Treatment: Providing laboratory testing services, generating test results, and coordinating care with your healthcare providers
- Payment: Billing for services, processing insurance claims, and managing accounts
- Healthcare Operations: Quality assurance, staff training, compliance audits, and improving our services
3.2 Communication and Notifications
With your consent, we may use your contact information to:
- Send appointment reminders and test result notifications
- Provide SMS text message updates (if you have opted in)
- Respond to your inquiries and customer service requests
- Send important service updates and healthcare information
3.3 Legal and Compliance Purposes
We may use or disclose your information when required by law:
- To comply with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations
- In response to court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- For public health and safety purposes
- To prevent fraud or criminal activity
4. SMS Text Messaging and Consent
SMS Consent Terms: By providing your mobile phone number and checking the SMS consent box on our forms, you expressly consent to receive text messages from Ipill Inc and Teleconnect Services regarding your test updates, appointment reminders, care information, and related health communications.
4.1 Message Frequency and Content
- You may receive approximately 2-4 messages per month
- Messages may include appointment confirmations, test result notifications, care reminders, and health information
- Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan
4.2 Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by:
- Replying STOP to any text message you receive from us
- Calling us at 346-289-7575 to request removal
- Emailing us with your opt-out request
For help or support with SMS messages, reply HELP or contact us at 346-289-7575.
4.3 SMS Consent Records
We maintain records of your SMS consent, including the date, time, phone number, and consent language you agreed to. These records are kept for at least four years in compliance with TCPA regulations.
5. How We Share Your Information
5.1 Healthcare Providers
We share your test results and health information with:
- Your ordering physician or healthcare provider
- Other healthcare professionals involved in your care (with your consent)
- Consulting pathologists for complex case reviews
5.2 Business Associates
We may share PHI with HIPAA-compliant business associates who perform services on our behalf, including:
- Electronic health record (EHR) and laboratory information system (LIS) vendors
- Billing and claims processing companies
- IT and cloud storage providers
- Legal and compliance consultants
All business associates sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) committing to protect your information in compliance with HIPAA.
5.3 When Required by Law
We may disclose your information without your authorization when required or permitted by law:
- Public health reporting (e.g., communicable diseases)
- Law enforcement or legal proceedings
- Health oversight activities and audits
- To avert serious threats to health or safety
5.4 We Do NOT Sell Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or PHI to third parties for marketing purposes.
6. Your Privacy Rights Under HIPAA
You have the following rights regarding your Protected Health Information:
6.1 Right to Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information and test results. Requests must be made in writing.
6.2 Right to Amend
If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny your request in certain circumstances as permitted by law.
6.3 Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.
6.4 Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI. We are not required to agree to your request but will consider it.
6.5 Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., by mail instead of phone).
6.6 Right to Revoke Consent
You may revoke your consent for SMS communications or other uses of your information at any time, except to the extent we have already acted in reliance on your consent.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
- Phone: 346-289-7575
- Address: 15006 WAYBRIDGE DR, HOUSTON TX 77062
7. Data Security
We implement comprehensive administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your information:
7.1 Technical Safeguards
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure, password-protected systems with multi-factor authentication
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Firewall and intrusion detection systems
7.2 Physical Safeguards
- Restricted access to facilities and equipment
- Secure storage of physical records
- Workstation and device security controls
7.3 Administrative Safeguards
- HIPAA training for all staff members
- Written policies and procedures for privacy and security
- Designated Privacy and Security Officers
- Business Associate Agreements with vendors
7.4 Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your PHI, we will notify you and the appropriate authorities as required by HIPAA Breach Notification Rule within 60 days of discovery.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as insurance portals or health information resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.
For laboratory testing of minors, we require parental or guardian consent and maintain records in compliance with applicable laws.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.
Material changes will be communicated through:
- Prominent notice on our website
- Email or SMS notification (if you have opted in)
- Posted notice at our facility
Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Information and Complaints
Privacy Officer Contact:
- Teleconnect Services / Hematology Care
- Address: 15006 WAYBRIDGE DR, HOUSTON TX 77062
- Phone: 346-289-7575
Filing a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with:
- Our Privacy Officer at the contact information above
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights:
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
13. State-Specific Privacy Rights
Residents of certain states may have additional privacy rights:
Texas Residents
Under Texas law, you have the right to request information about how we share your health information and to opt out of certain types of sharing.
If you have questions about state-specific privacy rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at 346-289-7575.