West Haven Foot and Ankle Center Effective Date: May 1, 2026

764 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 Phone: (475) 238-7400 Email: info@westhavenfootandankle.com Website: www.westhavenfootandankle.com

1. Introduction

West Haven Foot and Ankle Center (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, contact our office, or use our services. Please read this policy carefully.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal identifiers: name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Appointment and scheduling information
• Health-related information submitted through our forms (which may be Protected Health Information under HIPAA)
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time on site
• Communications you send us via phone, email, SMS, or chat

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Schedule and manage patient appointments
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Send appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-up communications
• Provide and improve our medical services
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations including HIPAA
• Analyze website usage and improve our online presence

4. SMS and Text Message Communications

West Haven Foot and Ankle Center sends text messages (SMS) to patients who have provided their phone number and consented to receive communications. By providing your phone number on any form on our website or at our office, you expressly consent to receive SMS messages from us.

Types of SMS messages we send:

• Appointment confirmation messages
• Appointment reminder messages (24 hours and 2 hours before your appointment)
• Follow-up care messages after your visit
• Responses to inquiries you submit through our website or chat widget
• Missed call notifications

Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any text message we send you. After opting out, you will receive a single confirmation message and no further messages.

Help: Reply HELP to any message for assistance or contact us at (475) 238-7400.

Message frequency: Message frequency varies based on your appointment activity and inquiries. Message and data rates may apply depending on your carrier plan.

Data sharing: No mobile information, including SMS opt-in data and consent, will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Your SMS consent is not sold, rented, or transferred.

5. HIPAA Compliance

To the extent that information submitted through our website constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we take reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect it. However, submitting information through website forms does not automatically establish a doctor-patient relationship. For detailed information on how your medical records are handled, please request our Notice of Privacy Practices from our office.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website, analyze traffic, and understand how visitors interact with our content. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features of the website may not function as intended.

7. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With trusted service providers who assist in operating our website or delivering services, subject to confidentiality agreements
• When required by law, court order, or government authority
• To protect the rights, safety, and property of our practice or patients
• With your explicit written consent

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including SSL encryption, secure hosting environments, firewalls, and access controls. While we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to remove it.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Your continued use of our website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

West Haven Foot and Ankle Center 764 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 Phone: (475) 238-7400

Email: info@westhavenfootandankle.com

Website: www.westhavenfootandankle.com

This privacy policy was last reviewed and updated on May 1, 2026.