PRIVACY POLICY

Protecting website visitors is very important to us. This privacy policy is meant to disclose information we collect when you visiting the site handsurgeonnearme.com as well as how is it used.  At any time, we have the right to amend or modify this Privacy Statement.  Feel free to check this page periodically for updated privacy policies.

Disclaimer

We strive to use appropriate security to protect the personal and private website visitor information. However, please understand that security measures are not guaranteed.  There is no guarantee the privacy of any information that is communicated or transferred over the Internet can remain private. We are committed to to validate the information within this website or any linked website for accuracy, credibility and reliability, but we cannot guarantee the information to be accurate. All medical information within this website is not a substitute for professional health care diagnosis, advice or treatment.

Comments

When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.

An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service if applicable to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/.  After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media

When uploading imaging to the website, avoid images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Other website visitors are able to download and extract any location data from the images that are uploaded on the website. 

Contact forms

It is common in many health care facilities, such as hospitals, to maintain a directory of patient contact information.   Handsurgeonnearme.com does not maintain a directory with local or nonlocal hospitals.  Contact forms maintained on the website handsurgeonnearme.com may be sent to third parties but include only the information provided by the user.  

Cookies

Cookies indicate what information is most interesting to viewers along with how often they visit the site. This helps to understand how the site should be adapted and improved. One or more cookies will be sent to the browser and will help determine when a view returns to the site. Viewers can choose to reset their browser and decline cookies. If cookies are disabled, certain features of the website will be limited.

When a comment is left on the site, viewers have an option to save their name, email address, and website in cookies for convenience. These settings will last for one year.

When visiting the login page, a temporary cookie will be set to verify if the browser accepts cookies. This cookie does not contain or store personal data, even after the browser is closed.

When logging in, there will be several cookies that will be created to save login information and screen display choices. The login cookie will last for two days and the display options will last for one year. With the “Remember Me” option, the login information is saved for two weeks. Once logged out of the account, the login cookies will be removed.

If an article is edited or published, an additional cookie is saved in the browser which contains the post ID of the article that expires after 1 day. This cookie does not store personal data.

Embedded content from other websites

Some of the information on this site include embedded content (videos, images, articles, etc.). This content will reflect in the same way as though the viewer is visiting the other website.

The external websites may collect data, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor interaction with the embedded contact. The external websites may also track the viewer’s interaction with the embedded contact if there is an associated logged-in account. 

There may be some external links within some pages of the website. The content of the third-party links are not affiliated with this website and does not imply and endorsement of any product, service, or information.

Analytics

The website uses Google Analytics to determine how users use the site and to focus on how to best serve users.   “Cookies” are text files placed on the user’s computer, to collect standard Internet information and visitor behavior.  This information is anonymous to name and other patient identifiers.   The information created by the cookie about the user’s use of the website (including IP address) is transmitted to Google and potentially other third party sites. This information used to evaluate visitors’ website use and to compile statistical activity reports.

Who we share your data with

Viewer’s IP address is included in emails sent for password reset requests. 

What data is collected?

Visitor information regarding site navigation is collected regularly. Information may include IP address, browser history, pages visited, browser type, and operating system. This information is used to monitor user patterns and improve the site. Personal or identifying information is not collected, unless submitted with a service request. Third parties will not have access to personal data unless required by law.

How long we retain your data

Comments and its data are stored indefinitely so that follow-up comments can be automatically recognized and approved rather than being held in queue. 

Any personal information that is provided in the user profile will be stored. All users are able to view, edit, or delete this content at any time (except for their username). Website administrators can also view and edit this information. 

What rights you have over your data

Viewers who have an account or have left comments can request an exported file of their personal data which may include any data that they have provided. Viewers can also request for this information to be erased, but it does not include any data that must be kept for administrative, legal, or security purposes.

Where we send your data

An automated spam detection service can review visitor comments.  Data that is provided is not shared with third parties as best as possible.  However there is no guarantee that private information can not be seen if it is posted or shared within the internet.   Third party information is to be shared as required by law.