Privacy Policy

Overview

Dr. Achintya Sharma and our team are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients' personal and medical information. This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through our website, appointment booking system, in-person consultations, and any other interactions with our medical practice.

We comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and its associated privacy rules, as well as medical confidentiality standards under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, age, date of birth, gender, address, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
• Medical Information: Medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment records, prescriptions, test results, and any other health-related information you provide during consultations.
• Appointment Information: Preferred dates, times, locations, and any special requests related to your visit.
• Payment Information: Billing details, insurance information, and payment history (where applicable).
• Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent, and other analytics data collected through cookies and similar technologies.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide medical diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
• To schedule and manage appointments and consultations.
• To communicate with you about your appointments, test results, and treatment plans.
• To process payments and insurance claims.
• To improve our medical services and patient experience.
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• To send important updates, health tips, and practice news (with your consent).

How We Protect Your Information

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal and medical information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure servers and encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS).
• Restricted access to patient information — only authorized medical and administrative staff can access your data.
• Regular security audits and updates to our systems.
• Secure storage of physical medical records.
• Confidentiality agreements with all staff members and third-party service providers.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or medical information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information with another healthcare provider, family member, or caregiver.
• For Treatment Purposes: With other healthcare professionals involved in your care (e.g., referring doctors, specialists, diagnostic labs, hospitals).
• For Payment & Operations: With insurance companies, billing services, and healthcare clearinghouses as necessary for claims processing and practice operations.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority (e.g., public health reporting, legal proceedings).
• Emergency Situations: When necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others.

Cookies & Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and improve our services. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionalities.

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to collect anonymous usage data. These services do not collect personally identifiable medical information.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal and medical information:

• Access: Request a copy of the information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Restriction: Request restrictions on how we use or share your information.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent for non-essential communications at any time.
• Portability: Request a copy of your medical records in a portable format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

Children's Privacy

Our medical services are provided to patients of all ages. For patients under 18 years of age, we require parental or guardian consent before collecting any personal or medical information. We do not knowingly collect information from children without appropriate consent.

Data Retention

We retain patient medical records for the duration required by applicable laws and professional standards (typically 7-10 years from the last visit, or as required for minors). After the retention period, records are securely destroyed or anonymized.

Website usage data and analytics are retained for a shorter period, typically 12-24 months.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., hospital partners, medical journals, payment gateways). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or operational needs. Any material changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

Grievance Officer

In compliance with applicable laws, the following individual is designated as the Grievance Officer for privacy-related concerns: