Introduction
Doctors' Choice Awards ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website and platform (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains our information practices, the types of information we collect, how we use it, with whom we share it, and the rights and choices available to you regarding your information.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Account Registration: Name, email address, password, professional credentials
- Doctor Profiles: Medical specialty, credentials, board certifications, hospital affiliations
- Reviews: Written feedback, ratings, and category scores
- Contact Information: Phone numbers, addresses, and communication preferences
- Payment Information: Billing address and payment details (processed securely)
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use our Service, we automatically collect:
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked, search queries
- Cookies and Tracking: User preferences, session management, analytics
- Location Data: General geographic location (if you permit)
1.3 Information from Third Parties
We obtain information from authorized third-party sources:
- NPI Database: For verification of physician credentials
- State Medical Boards: For license verification and disciplinary records
- Board of Medical Specialties: For board certification verification
- Payment Processors: Confirmation of payment transactions
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for:
- Operating and maintaining the Service
- Credential verification and compliance
- Processing reviews and ratings
- Sending service-related communications
- Improving user experience and platform functionality
- Fraud prevention and security measures
- Legal compliance and dispute resolution
- Marketing communications (with your consent)
- Analytics and usage metrics
3. How We Protect Your Information
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: Industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Data Storage: Encrypted storage of sensitive information at rest
- Access Controls: Role-based access restrictions for employees
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Authentication: Secure password policies and two-factor authentication
- Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring of security systems
While we employ advanced security technologies, no system is completely secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your account information secure.
4. Sharing of Information
We share information only as necessary and with your consent:
- Public Information: Doctor profiles, ratings, and reviews are publicly displayed
- Service Providers: Payment processors, hosting providers, analytics services
- Legal Requirements: Law enforcement, compliance with legal obligations
- Business Transfers: In case of merger or acquisition
- User Consent: With explicit permission for other uses
We do NOT sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
5. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
- Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Cookies: Manage cookie preferences through browser settings
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@doctorschoiceawards.org
6. Medical Information and HIPAA
While we collect and display medical information such as specialties and certifications, Doctors' Choice Awards is not a "covered entity" under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). We:
- Do not access or store patient medical records
- Do not process protected health information (PHI)
- Display only professional credentials and specialties
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all information
7. Children's Privacy
The Service is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete such information and terminate the child's account.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your home country. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers.
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:
- Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Measure usage and improve the Service
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Service functionality.
10. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and comply with legal obligations. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete it, except where longer retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
11. Third-Party Links
The Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing personal information.
12. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we make material changes, we will notify you by email or prominently posting on the Service. Your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Email: privacy@doctorschoiceawards.org
Address: San Francisco, California, United States
Response Time: We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days.
14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: Request what information we collect about you
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of information we hold
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of sale of personal information
- Right to Non-Discrimination: No discrimination for exercising privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact privacy@doctorschoiceawards.org