Privacy Information

  • Updated

Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc. and its affiliates (“Froedtert ThedaCare” or “we” or “us” or “our”)  own, operate and make available websites, mobile applications, and other digital platform products and services. At Froedtert ThedaCare, your privacy is important to us and is governed by this privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) which applies to the websites, mobile applications, and digital platform products or services where it is posted or linked (collectively, the “Sites and Apps”).  This Policy governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention and protection of personal information obtained through the websites, mobile applications and digital services on which this Privacy Policy is posted or linked.   It explains what information we collect, how we use it, when we share it, and the choices available to you. Our Sites and Apps are intended for individuals located in the United States and are governed by United States laws.    We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to modify, amend, supplement, or otherwise update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the revised Privacy Policy to the applicable Sites and Apps, unless otherwise required by applicable law. The “Effective Date” appearing at the top or bottom of this Privacy Policy will indicate when the most recent revisions were made. Your continued use of the Sites and Apps following the posting of any revised Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms, except where applicable law requires additional notice or consent.

 

Other Froedtert ThedaCare digital and online services may have their own privacy policies that are not governed by or linked to this one, and you should review those privacy policies in connection with your use of those services. In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Policy and a separate privacy notice expressly applicable to a particular digital or online service, the terms of the separate privacy notice will control with respect to that service.

 

By accessing, browsing or otherwise using our Sites and Apps, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to this Privacy Policy and the practices described in it.  Where required by law, or as expressly described in this Privacy Policy, we will obtain your consent before accessing, collecting, using, or disclosing information for specific purposes.   Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to limit or waive any rights or obligations that may apply under applicable privacy, data protection, healthcare, or consumer protection laws.

 

For our Notice of Privacy Practices relating to Protected Health Information (“PHI”), please refer to our Joint Notice of Privacy Practices located separately on our website.

 

Your use of MyChart, whether through the Froedtert & MCW App, our website, or any of our other digital and online services, is subject to additional terms and conditions.  Please refer to the MyChart Terms and Conditions located separately on our website.

 

Information We Collect

When you visit or use our Sites and Apps, we may collect different types of information, including information that you give us and information that is automatically collected as you browse, navigate through, or use the Sites and Apps.

 

Information You Give Us

You may give information to us when you use our Sites and Apps or interact with us in any way, including signing up for our newsletters or filling out a "Contact Us" form.  We receive and store information that you enter onto our Sites and Apps and that you provide to us through the Sites and Apps in other ways.  You may give us your name, address, phone number, email address and other information, such as your age. Additionally, if you correspond with us, including through chat or through email, we may also save the contents of your messages, as well as your email address or other contact information and our replies to your inquiries. We may use information collected through surveys, questionnaires, and feedback requests to evaluate and improve our services, applications, programs, and patient experience and to adjust the information we provide.

 

Examples of the information you may give us on or through our Sites and Apps or by using our services include data that may personally identify you, contact information, health information, account information, appointment requests, messages you send us, photos and images, audio and video recordings, survey responses, and payment information.

 

Information Collected Automatically

Along with the information you give us, our Sites and Apps automatically collect information as you browse, navigate through, interact with, or use the Sites and Apps. Information collected automatically may include information about your equipment, browsing actions, patterns, how you interact with our Sites and Apps, usage details, internet protocol ("IP") addresses, device information, browser information, pages viewed, and location information (when enabled). We may use cookies, analytics tools, web beacons, and similar technologies to improve functionality, security, performance, and user experience.  Some examples include:

 

  • Cookies are small files that websites place on a device to recognize users, remember preferences, and improve functionality. Without cookies enabled, you may not be able to access certain parts of our Sites and Apps or complete certain transactions on our Sites and Apps.   You may have the option to refuse to accept certain browser cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your computer, and you may have similar capabilities on your mobile device in the preferences for your operating system or browser. Web browsers may allow you to control certain cookies through browser settings. If you choose to disable cookies, certain features of our Sites and Apps may not function properly.
  • Web server logs collect data about how our site is being accessed and used. This technical information includes your internet protocol address, your device operating system, your browser type and the path you took to the site and during your visit.
  • Web beacons allow us to know if a certain page was visited, an e-mail was opened, or if ad banners on other sites were effective.

 

The information we collect automatically may include personal information or we may maintain or associate information we collect with personal information we collect in other ways or receive from third parties. It helps us to improve our Sites and Apps and to deliver a better and more personalized service by enabling us to estimate our audience size and usage patterns; improve our product and services offering; store information about your preferences, allowing us to customize our Sites and Apps according to your individual interests; and recognize and/or authenticate you when you return to our Sites and Apps.

 

Permissions

Certain app features may require access to your device's camera, microphone, storage, calendar, Bluetooth, or similar device functions. We only access these features when you choose to use related functionality, such as virtual visits, appointment management, or uploading images. You can manage these permissions through your device settings.

 

Location Information

We may access your location when you choose to use location-based features, such as appointment check-in or locating nearby providers. Information about your location may be collected through geolocation technology. Precise location information is collected only after you provide permission and is used only for the functionality you select.  You may disable location access at any time through your device settings.

 

Disclosures For Users of the Froedtert & MCW App Developed by Epic Systems Corporation

Our Froedtert & MCW App developed by Epic Systems Corporation may interact with your sensitive data to provide certain features, such as video visits or mobile appointment check-in. The first time you try to use any of these features on our Froedtert & MCW App, we will ask for your consent within the Froedtert &MCW App and will only allow you to use a feature if you give consent. You do not have to provide consent if you do not want to allow the Froedtert & MCW App to interact with your data as requested. 

 

The Froedtert & MCW App is developed by Epic Systems Corporation; please refer to Epic’s Mobile Application Privacy Policy for Patients for more detailed information about the limited ways they may interact with your information to make your use of the Froedtert & MCW App possible.

 

The Froedtert & MCW App may offer location-based check-in for in-person appointments or allow you to find healthcare providers near you. The first time you try to use any features that use your location, we will ask for your consent within the Froedtert & MCW App and will only access your location if you give consent. You do not have to provide consent if you do not want to allow the Froedtert & MCW App to use your location.

 

We may share information with service providers, analytics providers, telehealth vendors, cloud hosting providers, identity management providers, payment processors, Epic Systems Corporation, b.well Connected Health, and other vendors that support the operation of the Froedtert & MCW App or our other Sites and Apps.  We also collect and interact with user data for purposes of enabling certain functionality, including customizations to web-based features (such as third-party analytics or video visit integration) and other features we've added to the Froedtert & MCW App using Epic Systems Corporation's extensibility framework.

 

Apple HealthKit or Google Fit

With your permission, our Sites and Apps may connect to Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, or similar third-party health and fitness platforms to access, receive, use, and display certain health and wellness information that you choose to make available through those platforms. If you authorize such a connection, information obtained from Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, or similar services may be transmitted to us and, where appropriate, made available to your healthcare providers in connection with your care, treatment, care coordination, or other services you request.

 

Your use of Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, and any related third-party services is subject to the privacy policies, terms, and practices of those third parties. You may revoke your permission and manage your sharing preferences at any time through your device settings or the applicable third-party platform. We will access and use information obtained from Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, or similar services only as described in this Privacy Policy, as authorized by you, and as permitted by applicable law.

 

Google Play Disclosures For Android Users

  • Our Sites and Apps may request access to your device's microphone and camera only with your permission and only for purposes that support the functionality you choose to use. For example:
  • We may access your microphone to enable voice-based navigation, telehealth visits, or other features that require audio input.
  • We may access your camera to facilitate telehealth visits, allow you to upload or share images with your healthcare providers or care team, support barcode or document scanning features, or permit you to add a profile photograph to your account.
  • You may control or revoke microphone and camera permissions at any time through your device settings. If you deny or revoke these permissions, certain features of the Sites and Apps may not function as intended.

COVID-19 Related Information

  • Our Sites and Apps were not created specifically for the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Sites and Apps do allow you to access your health information, and that includes allowing you to access COVID-19 related vaccination information, laboratory test results, and other information that may relate to COVID-19.  Any COVID-19-related information accessed, displayed, or shared through the Sites and Apps will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy, applicable healthcare privacy laws, and any other applicable notices governing your health information.

How We Use Information

We do not sell, trade, rent, or lease your personal information. We use your information to:

  • provide you with services, including healthcare- related services and to support care
  • communicate with you, respond to your questions, requests, and inquiries
  • send you materials and information
  • schedule appointments
  • operate, maintain, and improve our Sites and Apps
  • develop and improve services
  • analyze usage and performance
  • conduct quality improvement and research activities
  • comply with legal obligations
  • protect the security and integrity of our systems
  •  notify you of changes to our website or new services we think you may be interested in
  • identify problems with our Sites and Apps
  • analyze statistical use patterns and demographic data, including where our visitors come from and what demographic characteristics they have, to improve our Sites and Apps and our services

We participate in internet-based advertising. Internet-based advertising may involve the use of cookies, analytics tools, or other technologies to understand website usage and improve the relevance of information and advertising provided to users. We may use information about how you browse our website and others to help us improve our service offerings, websites and advertising.

We may create and use aggregated or deidentified information that cannot reasonably be linked to an individual. Such information may be used for analytics, quality improvement, operational, research, and reporting purposes.

 

How We Share Information

We may share information with our affiliates, healthcare providers, business associates, vendors, and service providers that help us operate our Sites and Apps, provide healthcare-related services, facilitate communications, process payments, host and secure data, support virtual care, perform analytics, and comply with legal obligations. For example, we may share information with analytics providers, telehealth vendors, cloud hosting providers, identity management providers, payment processors, Epic Systems Corporation, b.well Connected Health, and other vendors that support the operation of our Sites and Apps.  We also collect and interact with user data for purposes of enabling certain functionality, including customizations to web-based features (such as video visit integration) and other features.

We may also disclose your information for legal purposes and to comply with any law, regulation, rule, or court order or subpoena, to enforce our rights, or to protect our business, property and operations.

We may create and use aggregated or deidentified information that does not identify individual users. We may use or share this information for analytics, research, quality improvement, reporting, and operational purposes.

 

Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These safeguards may include encryption, authentication controls, access restrictions, monitoring, and other security measures. Although we use reasonable safeguards designed to protect information, no safeguards, method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

 

User Logins and Passwords and Security Responsibility

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username, password, and device credentials.

If you register on our Sites and Apps and select a password, you must keep your log-in and password secure. If your log-in and password are known to others, or if you store them in a way that is not secure or in a way that others may access them, then your personal information may also be accessible to others without your knowledge or authorization.

We have no control over the security of or your use of your log-in ID and password, and we cannot tell if someone is using them without your permission. As such, we can only advise you to please use reasonable safeguards to protect your privacy. You should change your password periodically just for safety, and if you think somebody has learned your password, you should change it immediately.

 

Email Communications

Standard email communications may not be secure. Please avoid sending personal information or sensitive medical information through unsecured email.

Links to Other Sites

On our Sites and Apps, we may create links to other websites that we think may be of interest to you or provide further information. Please note these are only suggestions, and we do not endorse any other websites. 

We have not reviewed the privacy policies of any websites to which we may link.  You should exercise care when visiting any other website or mobile application.   If you believe a website linked through our Sites or Apps contains inappropriate, inaccurate, or objectionable content, you may notify us using the contact information provided below.

Data Retention

We will retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with services, maintain healthcare records, improve quality, operate our applications and systems, comply with legal and regulatory obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, and maintain appropriate business and operations records.

 

If you choose to deactivate your account in the Sites and Apps, you may submit a deactivation request to the contact provided below.

When a request to deactivate your account in the Sites and Apps is processed:

  • You will no longer be able to log into or access certain features and services associated with our Sites and Apps.
  • Certain information, including protected health information and medical records, may continue to be retained as permitted by applicable laws and regulations, and in accordance with our healthcare record retention requirements, contractual obligations, patient safety needs, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, and other legitimate operational or legal purposes.

Deactivation of an account does not necessarily result in deletion of all information.

 

Children’s Privacy

Our Sites and Apps are not intended for use by children under age 13 without the involvement and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

 

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your relationship with us, where you reside, and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information.

 

Subject to applicable law and certain limitations, you may request access to personal information we maintain about you or correction of inaccurate information, by contacting us below. Requests will be reviewed and processed subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

 

You may request deletion of certain personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements and limitations, by contacting us as provided below. However, we may not be able to honor that request in all instances given the laws and regulations that apply to us. Requests to delete information remain subject to our legal, regulatory, patient safety, and record retention obligations. For example, under state and federal law, we may be required to maintain some data that is specific to you and that may identify you, such as your medical records or other information. We may also have a legal basis or obligation to maintain medical and other information about you to provide care and treatment or to comply with our professional, legal, and other obligations and as needed for patient safety obligations, healthcare record retention requirements, contractual obligations, dispute resolution needs, fraud prevention purposes, and other legitimate business or operational purposes.

You may opt out of receiving certain promotional communications from us by following the instructions included in those communications or by contacting us. Even if you opt out of promotional communications, we may continue to send you services-related, transactional, operational, or legally required communications.

You may manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features.

You may manage permissions granted to our Sites and Apps, including the Froedtert & MCW App, including access to location information, camera, microphone, calendar, Bluetooth, and storage, through your device settings. Disabling certain permissions may limit the functionality of some features.

 

Contacting Us

We welcome your comments regarding this Policy. If you have questions regarding this Policy or privacy rights requests, please contact us using the contact methods below.  If you believe we are using your personal information in a way that is not authorized in this Policy, please email us immediately at the email address below.

Froedtert ThedaCare Compliance Department