Privacy policy.

Effective Date: 06.05.2025

Dr. Siu’s, PC d/b/a Forte Health Medical Clinic, Inc. (“Forte Health Medical Clinic”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [www.fortehealthdpc.com] or interact with us online. This policy is compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and applicable federal laws such as HIPAA, where applicable.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as when you:

  • Fill out a contact form

  • Sign up for our newsletter

  • Request information about membership

  • Send us an email

This information may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • City or ZIP code

  • Any other details you choose to provide

Automatically Collected Information

We may use cookies or analytics tools to collect information automatically, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages you view

  • Referring website

  • Time and date of visit

This information helps us improve the performance and usability of our website.

2. Use of Information

We may use the collected information to:

  • Respond to inquiries and provide customer service

  • Provide information about our DPC services

  • Improve our website and user experience

  • Send newsletters or marketing communications (only if you opt in)

  • Maintain the security and functionality of our site

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your data with trusted service providers (e.g., website hosting, email providers) solely for the purpose of operating our website or communicating with you. These vendors are bound by confidentiality and data protection agreements.

We may also disclose your information if required by law, regulation, or legal process.

4. Protected Health Information (PHI) and Patient Authorization

When you become a patient of Forte Health Medical Clinic, your personal health information becomes Protected Health Information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable California state laws.

PHI includes information such as:

  • Medical history and conditions

  • Diagnoses and treatment plans

  • Lab results, imaging, and test reports

  • Medications and prescriptions

  • Appointment details and billing information

  • Any information that identifies you and relates to your physical or mental health

Use and Disclosure of PHI Without Written Authorization

We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following circumstances, as permitted or required by law:

  • Treatment: To provide or coordinate your medical care.

  • Payment: For billing and collection activities related to your care.

  • Healthcare Operations: For internal practice operations such as quality assessment and staff training.

  • Public Health Activities: Reporting diseases, injuries, and vital statistics to public health authorities.

  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In response to a court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request.

  • Medical Emergencies: When necessary to prevent serious harm to health or safety.

  • De-identified Data: For research or analytics when your information cannot be traced back to you.

When Written Authorization Is Required

We will obtain your explicit written authorization before:

  • Using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not listed above

  • Sharing your PHI with third parties for marketing, research, or commercial purposes

  • Releasing HIV test results, genetic information, or mental health records, unless allowed by law

  • Sending PHI to non-covered entities (e.g., certain third-party apps, non-healthcare partners)

  • Sharing psychotherapy notes (if applicable)

You may revoke your written authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent we have already relied on it.

5. Your Rights Under California Law (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose

  • Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)

  • Opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)

To exercise your rights, please contact us at:
📧 privacy@fortehealthdpc.com

We will respond within 45 days of receiving a verifiable request.

6. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze website traffic and improve user experience. You can modify your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when they are being used.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party sites (e.g., scheduling tools, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

However, please remember that no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

Forte Health Medical Clinic, Inc.
📧 privacy@fortehealthdpc.com