Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit our website. These files allow our website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time, so you don't have to re-enter information when you navigate between pages or visit our site again.

Cookies help us provide you with a better experience by enabling certain functionality, remembering your preferences, and helping us understand how our website is used.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They enable basic functions such as:

• Maintaining your session while browsing our site
• Remembering your privacy preferences
• Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
• Enabling you to navigate between pages efficiently
• Processing form submissions and contact requests

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting anonymous information about:

• Which pages are visited most frequently
• How long visitors spend on our site
• Where visitors come from (referral sources)
• Any error messages that occur
• General website performance and loading times

This information helps us improve our website's functionality and user experience.

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your choices and personalizing your visit:

• Your preferred language settings
• Location preferences for finding nearby providers
• Accessibility settings and display preferences
• Previously selected healthcare service categories

2.4 Communication and Support Cookies

These cookies enable our customer support and communication features:

• Live chat functionality and support ticket management
• Phone call routing and callback request processing
• Email communication preferences
• Contact form completion and follow-up
• SMS messaging service functionality and delivery confirmation

3. Third-Party Cookies and Services

We may use trusted third-party services that place cookies on your device to help us provide better service:

3.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. This service uses cookies to collect anonymous data about website usage, which helps us improve our content and user experience. Google Analytics data is anonymized and does not identify individual users.

3.2 Communication Platforms

Our website integrates with communication services, including:

• Twilio: For secure messaging, SMS services, and phone communications in compliance with healthcare privacy laws
• Customer support chat platforms for real-time assistance
• Video consultation integration services for telehealth
• Appointment scheduling systems for provider connections

These services may place cookies to facilitate messaging functionality, security, and service analytics. All data handling complies with applicable healthcare privacy laws including HIPAA.

3.3 Security and Fraud Prevention

We use security services that may place cookies to:

• Protect against malicious attacks and fraud
• Verify legitimate users and prevent unauthorized access
• Monitor for suspicious activity
• Ensure HIPAA-compliant data transmission

4. Healthcare Privacy and Cookie Usage

When you use our healthcare connection services:

• No protected health information (PHI) is stored in cookies
• Personal health data is transmitted through secure, encrypted connections
• Healthcare provider communications are handled through HIPAA-compliant platforms
• Your medical information remains confidential and separate from cookie data
• SMS communications and consent management are processed securely

5. Session vs. Persistent Cookies

5.1 Session Cookies

These temporary cookies are deleted when you close your browser. We use session cookies for:

• Maintaining your browsing session
• Keeping you logged in while using our services
• Processing form submissions and requests
• Ensuring secure communication during your visit

5.2 Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted. We use persistent cookies for:

• Remembering your preferences between visits
• Improving website performance based on usage patterns
• Providing personalized content and recommendations
• Analyzing long-term website usage trends

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View cookies stored on your device
• Delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies (though this may affect website functionality)
• Set preferences for accepting cookies

6.2 Opting Out of Analytics

To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can:

• Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Use browser privacy settings to block analytics cookies
• Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser preferences

6.3 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling cookies may affect your experience on our website:

• You may need to re-enter information repeatedly
• Some website features may not function properly
• Personalized content and preferences may not be available
• Security features may be limited
• SMS and communication features may not work as expected

7. Cookie Retention and Deletion

Different types of cookies have different retention periods:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Functional cookies: Typically stored for 30 days to 1 year
• Analytics cookies: Usually retained for 2 years for trend analysis
• Security cookies: May be stored for shorter periods for ongoing protection

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify users through our website or email communications
• Request new consent where required by law
• Provide clear information about what has changed

9. Legal Basis for Cookie Usage

Our use of cookies is based on:

• Legitimate Interest: For essential website functionality and security
• Consent: For analytics, personalization, and marketing cookies
• Contractual Necessity: For cookies required to provide our healthcare connection services
• Legal Compliance: For cookies needed to meet healthcare privacy regulations

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information through our website, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Some cookies may involve the transfer of data to countries outside your residence. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or want to exercise your rights regarding cookies and data processing, please contact us.

You can also contact us if you need assistance with:

• Managing your cookie preferences
• Understanding how we use cookies
• Reporting cookie-related concerns
• Requesting information about data processing