Privacy Policy

Introduction

Pattern Naturopathic is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website or engage with our services.

Information We Collect

We may collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Personal identification information (such as name, email address, phone number, and mailing address)
• Health-related information provided through secure intake forms or consultations
• Payment and billing information necessary to process transactions
• Communication preferences and correspondence with our practice
• Information submitted through general inquiry forms, waitlist requests, and newsletter subscriptions

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide naturopathic medical care, wellness consulting, and related services
• Communicate with you regarding appointments, services, and follow-up
• Process payments and maintain billing records
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
• Improve our services and website functionality
• Send newsletters, updates, and educational content (only with your explicit consent)
• Respond to general inquiries submitted through our contact forms

Newsletter and Communication

When you subscribe to our newsletter or submit a general inquiry, we collect your email address and other contact details to provide the requested information.

• Explicit Consent: We only add you to our mailing list if you have explicitly opted in by checking the consent box on our forms.
• Unsubscribe: You may unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of our emails.
• No Spam: We do not sell, rent, or share your email address with third parties for marketing purposes.

Medical Care vs Wellness Consulting

Privacy protections differ depending on the services provided. Licensed naturopathic medical care is subject to applicable healthcare privacy laws. Wellness consulting and educational services provided outside of licensed medical care are not subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) but are handled with appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

HIPAA Compliance

For patients receiving licensed naturopathic medical care in Washington, DC, Pattern Naturopathic complies with HIPAA. Protected health information is maintained in secure, HIPAA-compliant systems and is disclosed only as permitted by law or with written authorization.

This Privacy Policy is not a Notice of Privacy Practices under HIPAA. Patients receiving licensed medical care in Washington, DC will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices describing how protected health information may be used and disclosed and how patients may exercise their rights under HIPAA.

Information Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include secure data storage, encrypted communication methods, and restricted access to sensitive information.

Third-Party Services

We may use third-party service providers for appointment scheduling, payment processing, secure messaging, and practice management. These providers are contractually required to maintain the confidentiality and security of information and may use it only for the services they provide to us.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to improve user experience, understand website usage, and maintain site functionality. These technologies may collect non-identifying information such as browser type, device information, and pages visited. You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Your Privacy Rights

Your privacy rights depend on the nature of the services you receive and applicable law.

For patients receiving licensed medical care in Washington, DC:

Rights regarding access, amendment, restriction, and disclosure of protected health information are governed by HIPAA and described in the Notice of Privacy Practices.

For website visitors and wellness consulting clients:

You may request access to or correction of personal information you have submitted through this website, subject to applicable law and record-keeping obligations.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this website with a revised effective date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to inquire about your privacy rights, please contact us through the secure contact form on our website.