Privacy Policy
Last Updated: April 5, 2026
Your Privacy Matters: Jonathan Cook, MD is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable laws.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address
- Medical Information: Health history, symptoms, medications, treatment information
- Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy numbers, coverage details
- Demographic Information: Age, date of birth, gender, emergency contacts
- Website Usage: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on site
How We Collect Information
- During patient registration and appointments
- Through our website contact forms and appointment requests
- Via phone conversations with our staff
- From insurance companies and other healthcare providers
- Through website cookies and analytics tools
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Healthcare Operations
- Providing medical care and treatment
- Scheduling and managing appointments
- Processing insurance claims and billing
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
- Maintaining medical records and documentation
Communication
- Appointment reminders and confirmations
- Test results and follow-up care instructions
- Health education and wellness information
- Practice updates and important notices
Website Improvement
- Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
- Responding to contact form submissions
- Providing requested information about our services
3. HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA Protected Health Information
As a healthcare provider, we are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your health information.
Your Rights Under HIPAA:
- Right to access your medical records
- Right to request amendments to your health information
- Right to request restrictions on how we use your information
- Right to request confidential communications
- Right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
Healthcare Operations
- With other healthcare providers involved in your care
- With insurance companies for payment and coverage verification
- With laboratories and imaging centers for test results
- With pharmacies for prescription management
Legal Requirements
- When required by law or court order
- For public health reporting requirements
- To prevent serious harm to you or others
- For law enforcement purposes when legally required
Business Associates
We may share information with business associates who help us provide services, such as:
- Electronic health record vendors
- Billing and coding services
- IT support and maintenance providers
- Legal and accounting services
5. Website Privacy
Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. We may use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site
- Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences
Third-Party Services
Our website may use third-party services such as:
- Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
- Google Maps for location services
- Social media plugins (if applicable)
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
- Secure servers and databases
- Access controls and user authentication
- Regular security audits and updates
- Staff training on privacy and security procedures
- Physical security measures for paper records
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide ongoing medical care
- Meet legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Maintain business records as required by law
Medical records are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years after your last visit, or longer as required by Georgia state law.
8. Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and review your personal information
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request restrictions on how we use your information
- Request alternative means of communication
- Withdraw consent for certain uses (where applicable)
- File a complaint about our privacy practices
9. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without parental consent. For pediatric patients, we obtain appropriate consent from parents or guardians before collecting and using health information.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Providing direct notice for significant changes
11. Contact Us
Questions or Concerns? We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about how we handle your personal information.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of April 5, 2026 and complies with HIPAA, Georgia state law, and other applicable privacy regulations.