Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: August 29, 2025
ForeMilk Lactation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state privacy laws, and applicable insurance regulations.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following information when you use our services:
Personal Information: Name, contact details, payment information, insurance details, and demographic data.
Protected Health Information (PHI): Medical history, lactation and breastfeeding details, pregnancy or postpartum information, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
Insurance Information: Policy numbers, provider details, and documentation necessary for claim submission and reimbursement.
Technical Information: Website usage data (IP address, browser type, cookies) to improve site functionality.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide lactation consulting services (virtual or in person).
Document your care and maintain accurate health records.
Bill and receive payment for services, including submission of insurance claims on your behalf.
Communicate with you regarding appointments, care plans, and educational resources.
Comply with legal, regulatory, and public health requirements.
3. How We May Share Your PHI
Under HIPAA, we may share your PHI without additional authorization in the following circumstances:
For Treatment: To coordinate care with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.
For Payment: To submit claims to your insurance company and process billing.
For Healthcare Operations: For quality assurance, compliance, and administrative purposes.
As Required by Law: To comply with court orders, audits, or public health reporting requirements.
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for any purpose not described above (e.g., marketing purposes).
4. Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have important rights regarding your health information, including the right to:
Access: Request a copy of your health records.
Amend: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.
Restrictions: Request limits on how your information is shared (though we may not always be able to agree).
Confidential Communications: Request that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., email only).
File a Complaint: You may file a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
5. Insurance-Specific Disclosures
We may disclose your PHI to your insurance provider to determine eligibility, obtain prior authorizations, and process claims for reimbursement.
If you pay out-of-pocket in full, you may request that we not share your PHI with your insurance provider.
Insurance communications may include information such as diagnosis codes, visit notes, and treatment details as required for claim submission.
6. Data Security
We use HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) and telehealth platforms to safeguard your PHI. Measures include encryption, access controls, secure servers, and staff training. While no system is 100% secure, we are committed to protecting your information to the highest standards.
7. Cookies and Website Use
Our website may use cookies to track browsing behavior and improve user experience. This information does not include PHI. You can disable cookies through your browser settings.
8. State-Specific Rights
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), including the right to request information about how your personal data is used and to request deletion of certain personal information.
9. Changes to This Notice
We may update this Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, HIPAA rights, or insurance disclosures, please contact us:
ForeMilk Lactation
Email: support@foremilklactation.com