1. Introduction

Always Health Centre Inc. (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our healthcare professionals.

This policy applies to all personal information collected by Always Health Centre Inc., located at #7-101 Cathedral High St., Markham, ON L6C 3L8.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Health Information

We collect health information necessary to provide you with quality healthcare services, including:

  • Medical history and current health conditions
  • Treatment plans and progress notes
  • Diagnostic test results and imaging
  • Medication information and allergies
  • Physical examination findings
  • Insurance and billing information

2.2 Personal Information

We collect personal information including:

  • Full name, date of birth, and contact information
  • Address, phone number, and email address
  • Emergency contact details
  • Insurance provider information
  • Payment and billing information
  • Appointment scheduling details

2.3 Website Information

When you visit our website, we may collect:

  • IP address and browser information
  • Pages visited and time spent on site
  • Referring website information
  • Device and operating system details
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Healthcare Services

We use your information to:

  • Provide comprehensive healthcare services
  • Develop and implement treatment plans
  • Communicate with you about your care
  • Coordinate care with other healthcare providers
  • Process insurance claims and billing
  • Schedule and manage appointments

3.2 Legal and Administrative Purposes

We may use your information for:

  • Compliance with healthcare regulations
  • Quality assurance and improvement programs
  • Professional development and training
  • Legal requirements and proceedings
  • Business operations and administration

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Healthcare Purposes

We may share your information with:

  • Other healthcare providers involved in your care
  • Insurance companies for claims processing
  • Laboratories and diagnostic facilities
  • Referral specialists and consultants
  • Healthcare regulatory bodies when required

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when:

  • Required by law or court order
  • Necessary to prevent serious harm to health or safety
  • Required for public health purposes
  • Authorized by healthcare legislation
  • Part of legal proceedings or investigations

4.3 Third-Party Service Providers

We work with trusted service providers who may access your information:

  • Electronic health record systems
  • Appointment scheduling platforms
  • Insurance billing services
  • Website hosting and maintenance
  • IT support and security services

5. Data Security and Protection

5.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures:

  • Encrypted data storage and transmission
  • Secure physical and electronic access controls
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Staff training on privacy and security
  • Backup and disaster recovery systems

5.2 Access Controls

  • Only authorized personnel access your information
  • Access is limited to what’s necessary for treatment
  • All access is logged and monitored
  • Regular review of user permissions
  • Strong password and authentication requirements

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal health information
  • Request copies of your medical records
  • Review how your information is used
  • Obtain information about disclosures made

6.2 Correction Rights

You may:

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Add statements to clarify your records
  • Update contact and personal information
  • Withdraw consent where applicable

6.3 Complaint Process

If you have privacy concerns, you may:

  • Contact our Privacy Officer directly
  • File a complaint with our clinic
  • Contact the appropriate provincial privacy commissioner
  • Seek resolution through professional regulatory bodies

7. Consent and Withdrawal

7.1 Consent for Treatment

By receiving our services, you consent to:

  • Collection and use of health information for treatment
  • Sharing information with other healthcare providers
  • Processing insurance claims and billing
  • Quality assurance and improvement activities

7.2 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw consent:

  • With written notice to our Privacy Officer
  • Understanding this may limit our ability to provide care
  • Certain uses may continue as required by law
  • Previous disclosures cannot be reversed

8. Retention and Disposal

8.1 Retention Periods

We retain your information according to:

  • Professional regulatory requirements
  • Legal and statutory obligations
  • Clinical care continuity needs
  • Minimum 10 years from last treatment or age of majority

8.2 Secure Disposal

When information is no longer needed:

  • Electronic records are securely deleted
  • Physical records are shredded or incinerated
  • All disposal is documented and verified
  • Privacy protection maintained throughout process

9. Website Privacy

9.1 Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses:

  • Essential cookies for functionality
  • Analytics tools to improve user experience
  • No tracking of personal health information
  • Ability to manage cookie preferences

9.2 Online Communications

  • Email communications are not guaranteed secure
  • Appointment requests through website are encrypted
  • Patient portal access requires secure authentication
  • No sensitive health information via unsecured channels

10. Minor Patients

For patients under 18 years of age:

  • Parents/guardians provide consent for treatment
  • Mature minors may consent to certain treatments
  • Privacy rights develop as minors mature
  • Special protections for sensitive health information

11. Changes to This Policy

11.1 Policy Updates

We may update this policy to:

  • Reflect changes in privacy legislation
  • Improve our privacy practices
  • Address new technologies or services
  • Enhance clarity and transparency

11.2 Notification Process

When we make changes:

  • Updated policy posted on our website
  • Significant changes communicated directly
  • Effective date clearly indicated
  • Previous versions available upon request

12. Contact Information

Privacy Officer

Always Health Centre Inc.
#7-101 Cathedral High St.
Markham, ON L6C 3L8

Phone: (905) 268-9938
Email: alwayshealth@outlook.com

Business Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: By appointment

Additional Resources

For information about your privacy rights, you may contact:

  • Your provincial privacy commissioner
  • Relevant healthcare professional regulatory bodies
  • Legal counsel or privacy advocacy organizations

13. Acknowledgment

By using our services or accessing our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use our services or website.

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable Canadian privacy legislation including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), as well as other relevant provincial and federal privacy laws.