Privacy Policy — Northgate Chiropractic

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy applies to Northgate Chiropractic and our website northgatechiro.com(https://northgatechiro.com). It explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, contact us, schedule care, or receive appointment-related communications (including text messages). We are committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with applicable laws, including Washington’s My Health My Data Act (MHMDA, RCW 19.373) and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) where applicable to clinical records.

Website forms and clinical records: Information you submit through this website (contact forms, appointment requests, or new patient intake forms) is used to respond to your inquiry and schedule care. It is not the same as your official medical record maintained in our practice. HIPAA protections that apply to clinical records in our office may not apply to basic web form submissions in the same way. For requests related to your official medical record, contact our office directly at (206) 367-2224 or [email protected].

2. Consumer Health Data (Washington MHMDA)

Washington’s My Health My Data Act defines “consumer health data” broadly. This includes any personal information that is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer and that identifies the consumer’s past, present, or future physical or mental health status. Examples relevant to our site include information you provide about wellness goals, posture concerns, ergonomic issues, or interest in personal injury care.

Categories of consumer health data we may collect via this website:

• Information submitted through the contact form (name, email, phone, message describing wellness goals or injury history)
• Service interest selections (e.g., personal injury, ergonomic consultation)
• Any health-related details voluntarily provided in free-text fields

Purposes: We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry, schedule appointments, and provide the services you request. We do not sell consumer health data. We do not share it with third parties except as necessary to provide the requested service (e.g., secure form processor) or as required by law.

Your rights under MHMDA: You have the right to know what consumer health data we have about you, access it, delete it (subject to legal retention), and withdraw consent. To exercise these rights, email us at [email protected] or call (206) 367-2224. We will respond within the timelines required by law.

3. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly (contact forms, new patient forms, phone or in-office scheduling) and limited technical data (IP address, browser type, pages visited) via standard server logs and privacy-respecting analytics. We do not use invasive tracking or geofencing around healthcare facilities.

Information we may collect includes:

• Contact details: name, email address, and mobile or other phone numbers you provide for appointments and communication
• Appointment-related information: preferred times, visit type, and other details needed to coordinate care and send reminders
• Messages you send us: questions, scheduling notes, or other information you choose to share
• Technical data: limited server logs and analytics as described below

4. Text Messages / SMS

Northgate Chiropractic may send appointment-related text messages (SMS) to patients who have consented to receive them. These messages may include appointment reminders, confirm or cancel links, schedule updates, and optional post-visit review requests. Text messaging is for appointment and care-related operational communications only—not general marketing campaigns.

• Message frequency: Message frequency varies based on your scheduled appointments and any updates you request.
• Message and data rates: Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.
• Opt out: You can opt out of SMS at any time by replying STOP. After you opt out, you will no longer receive appointment texts from us unless you opt in again.
• Help: For assistance with our text messages, reply HELP or contact us at (206) 367-2224 or [email protected].
• Consent: Consent to receive text messages is for appointment-related communications only. Consent is not a condition of receiving care or purchasing services at Northgate Chiropractic; you may decline texts and still book and receive care.

We do not sell, rent, or share mobile phone numbers with third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes.

We may use service providers (such as SMS delivery platforms) solely to send messages you opted into. Those providers process data on our behalf to operate our communications and are not permitted to use your mobile number for their own marketing.

5. Analytics and Cookies

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use our website — for example, which pages are viewed, how users navigate the site, and whether phone, directions, or contact links are used. GA4 may set first-party cookies (such as _ga) and similar technologies. Cookie duration varies; GA4 cookies typically persist up to 24 months unless cleared sooner.

• What we collect: Page views, approximate location (city/region), device and browser type, referral source, and interaction events (such as phone link clicks, directions clicks, and successful form submissions)
• What we do not do: Sell personal data, use geofencing around healthcare facilities, or collect detailed health information through analytics
• Your choices: You can limit cookies through your browser settings, use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, or use privacy-focused browser extensions. We do not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.

Analytics scripts are not loaded on internal audit pages. Material changes to analytics tools will be noted on this page.

6. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to appointment requests and questions
• Provide care-related communications, appointment reminders, service updates, and related operational texts you have opted into
• Coordinate visits and support continuity of care
• Provide chiropractic and wellness services
• Improve our website and patient experience
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

7. Data Sharing and Processors

Website contact messages and digital intake packets are delivered to the clinic using Paubox encrypted email (HIPAA-oriented email delivery). Paubox processes messages only to deliver them to our clinic inbox. We do not sell or rent personal information.

We may use service providers (for example, SMS delivery, website hosting, calendar, or email tools) solely to operate our communications and practice. These providers process data on our behalf and are not permitted to use your mobile phone number or other contact details for their own marketing purposes.

We do not sell, rent, or share mobile phone numbers with third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes.

Browser draft storage (intake form): If you opt in to “Save progress on this device,” your incomplete intake answers may be stored in your browser’s local storage so you can continue later. Drafts stay on your device, expire after a limited period, and are not sent to us until you submit. You can clear a draft anytime from the intake form.

8. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we continuously work to protect your information.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verified parental consent as required by law.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions about this policy, SMS/text messaging preferences, or to exercise your privacy rights, contact Northgate Chiropractic:

Northgate Chiropractic
11065 5th Avenue NE Suite E, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: (206) 367-2224
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://northgatechiro.com

This policy is provided for transparency and does not constitute legal advice. For the most current requirements under Washington law, consult the Washington Attorney General’s Office or qualified counsel.