Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Comfy Family Practice, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

Information We Collect

Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Medical history and current health status
• Treatment records and clinical notes
• Laboratory results and diagnostic information
• Insurance and billing information
• Contact information and emergency contacts

Website Information

• Information you provide through forms and communications
• Technical information about your visit (IP address, browser type, etc.)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

For Treatment

• Providing medical care and treatment
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
• Managing your ongoing health needs

For Payment

• Processing insurance claims
• Billing for services provided
• Collecting payment for medical services

For Healthcare Operations

• Quality improvement activities
• Staff training and education
• Business administration and management
• Compliance with legal requirements

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your health information only as permitted by law, including:

• With your written authorization
• For treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
• As required by law (court orders, public health reporting)
• For emergency situations
• With family members involved in your care (with your consent)

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and review your medical records
• Request amendments to your health information
• Request restrictions on how we use your information
• Request confidential communications
• File a complaint about our privacy practices
• Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy

Telehealth Privacy

For telehealth services:

• We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms
• Communications are encrypted and secure
• You should use telehealth services in a private location
• Recording of sessions is prohibited without explicit consent

Website Privacy

Cookies and Tracking

• We use cookies to improve website functionality
• You can disable cookies through your browser settings
• We do not sell personal information to third parties

Third-Party Services

• We may use third-party services for website analytics
• These services have their own privacy policies
• We limit data sharing to necessary operational purposes

Data Security

We implement appropriate safeguards including:

• Physical security measures
• Electronic security systems
• Administrative policies and procedures
• Staff training on privacy requirements
• Regular security assessments

Not a Substitute for Professional Medical Advice

The information provided on this website and through our services is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Emergency Situations

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this website, email, or telehealth services for emergency medical situations.

Treatment Limitations

Telehealth Services

• Telehealth has limitations compared to in-person examinations
• Some conditions require physical examination for proper diagnosis
• Technology failures may interrupt consultations
• You are responsible for seeking in-person care when recommended

Veterans Examinations

• Our examinations are for medical evaluation purposes only
• We do not guarantee specific VA disability ratings or approvals
• Final disability determinations are made by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Our role is to provide accurate medical assessments and documentation

DOT Physical Examinations

• We perform examinations according to FMCSA regulations
• Certification depends on meeting federal medical standards
• We cannot guarantee certification outcomes
• Commercial driving eligibility is determined by federal regulations

Individual Results May Vary

Medical treatments and outcomes vary among individuals. No guarantee is made regarding:

• Treatment effectiveness
• Recovery time
• Absence of complications
• Specific health outcomes

Medication and Treatment Risks

All medical treatments, including medications, carry potential risks and side effects. We will discuss these with you, but you are responsible for:

• Following treatment instructions
• Reporting adverse reactions promptly
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
• Asking questions about your care

Acceptance of Terms

By using this website and our services, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our website and services.

Medical Services Terms

Patient Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and complete medical information
• Follow treatment recommendations and instructions
• Attend scheduled appointments or provide adequate notice of cancellation
• Pay for services according to agreed terms
• Respect staff and other patients

Appointment Policies

• Cancellation: 24-hour notice required for appointment changes
• Late Arrivals: May result in rescheduling to accommodate other patients
• No-Shows: May be charged a fee and may affect future scheduling priority
• Same-Day Appointments: Subject to availability

Payment Terms

• Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements are made
• We accept cash, credit cards, and most major insurance plans
• Outstanding balances may be sent to collections after reasonable notice
• Returned check fees apply for insufficient funds

Telehealth Terms

Technology Requirements

• You are responsible for ensuring adequate internet connectivity
• You must use telehealth services in an appropriate, private setting
• We are not responsible for technical failures or connectivity issues

Limitations

• Telehealth is not appropriate for all medical conditions
• Emergency situations require in-person or emergency care
• Some insurance plans may not cover telehealth services

Website Use

Acceptable Use

• Use website for lawful purposes only
• Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Do not transmit harmful or malicious code
• Respect intellectual property rights

Content Accuracy

• We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee completeness
• Medical information is general and not specific to individual cases
• Website content may be updated without notice

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, images, logos, and design elements, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• We limit liability for website technical issues
• We are not liable for decisions made based on website information alone
• Our liability is limited to the cost of services provided
• We are not responsible for third-party website content or services

HIPAA Compliance

We comply with all applicable HIPAA privacy and security regulations for the protection of your health information.

Texas Medical Practice Act

Our practice operates in accordance with the Texas Medical Practice Act and regulations of the Texas Medical Board.

Federal Regulations

We comply with all applicable federal regulations including:

• FMCSA regulations for DOT medical examinations
• VA regulations for veterans’ medical examinations
• FDA regulations for prescription medications
• CMS regulations for Medicare and Medicaid services

Your Rights

• Right to respectful, considerate care
• Right to information about your condition and treatment
• Right to participate in treatment decisions
• Right to privacy and confidentiality
• Right to voice complaints without fear of retaliation
• Right to access your medical records

Your Responsibilities

• Provide accurate medical information
• Ask questions when you don’t understand
• Follow agreed-upon treatment plans
• Keep scheduled appointments
• Pay for services in a timely manner
• Treat staff and other patients with respect

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of modified terms.