# Privacy Policy

## 1. Introduction

NTX Surgical Consultants, PLLC (“we,” “our,” “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ and website visitors’ information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), applicable federal and Texas state privacy laws, and industry best practices.

By receiving care from us, using our services, or visiting our website, you agree to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.

## 2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

### A. Protected Health Information (PHI)

- Name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address

- Medical history, treatment information, and test results

- Insurance and billing information

- Any other information classified as PHI under HIPAA

### B. Non-Personal Information

- Website usage data (IP address, browser type, operating system)

- Cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience

## 3. How We Use Your Information

Your information may be used for the following purposes:

1. Treatment – To provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare.

2. Payment – To bill and collect payment for services rendered.

3. Healthcare Operations – For quality improvement, staff training, and administrative purposes.

4. Legal Compliance – To comply with state, federal, or regulatory requirements.

5. Communications – To send appointment reminders, health information, and practice updates (with your consent where required).

## 4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your PHI only as permitted or required by law, including:

- With your other healthcare providers for treatment purposes

- With insurance companies to process claims

- With business associates who perform services on our behalf (under signed HIPAA Business Associate Agreements)

- As required by law (e.g., public health reporting, court orders)

We will never sell your PHI to third parties.

## 5. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the right to:

- Access and obtain a copy of your medical records

- Request corrections to your records

- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your information

- Receive an accounting of disclosures we have made

- Request communications in a confidential manner

- File a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

## 6. How We Protect Your Information

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your PHI, including:

- Secure electronic health record (EHR) systems

- Role-based access controls

- Staff training on HIPAA compliance

- Encryption and secure transmission protocols

## 7. Website & Electronic Communications

If you use our website, patient portal, or email to communicate with us, please note:

- Information transmitted over the internet may not be fully secure unless encrypted.

- We encourage use of our secure patient portal for sensitive communications.

- Our website may use cookies for analytics and site performance. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

## 8. Third-Party Services

We may link to external websites or services that are not operated by NTX Surgical Consultants, PLLC. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

## 9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised “Effective Date.”

## 10. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, contact: