Privacy policy
Privacy Policy
Toronto Health Institute (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our healthcare services.
We comply with all applicable privacy legislation, including Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
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Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email, and insurance details.
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Personal Health Information (PHI): Medical history, diagnoses, treatment records, test results, prescriptions, and other information provided in connection with healthcare services.
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Payment Information: Billing and insurance claims details.
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Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, and website usage data collected through cookies or similar technologies.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal and health information for the following purposes:
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To provide safe, effective, and comprehensive healthcare services.
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To communicate with you regarding appointments, test results, treatment, or follow-up care.
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To process payments, insurance claims, and billing.
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To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
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To maintain medical records as required under Ontario law.
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To improve our website and services through analytics.
3. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your information under the following circumstances:
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To Healthcare Providers: Physicians, specialists, nurses, laboratories, and pharmacies involved in your care.
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To Insurers and Payment Processors: For billing and coverage verification.
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To Service Providers (Business Associates): For secure IT support, data hosting, and administrative services.
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As Required by Law: To comply with PHIPA, PIPEDA, or when disclosure is mandated by court order, regulatory authorities, or public health agencies.
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With Consent: For referrals, family communications, or other authorized purposes.
We will never sell or trade your personal or health information to third parties.
4. Your Rights Under PHIPA
Under Ontario’s PHIPA, you have the right to:
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Access and request a copy of your health record.
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Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
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Withdraw or limit your consent for certain uses or disclosures, subject to legal limitations.
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Be informed about disclosures of your personal health information.
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Make a complaint to Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) if you believe your rights have been violated.
5. Data Security
We use strict physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your information, including encryption, secure servers, and restricted access protocols. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against all risks.
6. Cookies and Online Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
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Enhance navigation and user experience.
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Analyze website traffic and usage patterns.
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Personalize content and communications.
You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.
7. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13 without parental or guardian consent. If such information is inadvertently collected, please contact us to have it removed.
8. Retention of Information
We retain your personal health information in accordance with Ontario’s health records retention requirements and only for as long as necessary to provide care or comply with applicable laws.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your information, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Toronto Health Institute