Privacy Policy, Effective 1/1/2026

Metro Dermatology (“Metro Dermatology,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information and protected health information (“PHI”). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our website and our medical and telehealth services, and how we comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws.

This Privacy Policy applies to all patients and visitors who access our website or receive services from Metro Dermatology.

Compliance With Applicable Laws

Metro Dermatology complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing privacy and the protection of health information, including but not limited to:

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”)
  • HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules
  • Applicable New York and New Jersey privacy and healthcare regulations

Where state laws provide greater privacy protections than federal law, Metro Dermatology follows the more stringent requirements.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Insurance information

Protected Health Information (PHI)

  • Medical history
  • Treatment information
  • Diagnostic information
  • Prescription and medication information
  • Telehealth encounter information

Information may be collected through our website, patient intake forms, insurance submissions, phone communications, or during in-person or telehealth visits.

Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information

Metro Dermatology uses and discloses PHI only as permitted or required by law.

Permitted Uses of PHI

We may use PHI for:

  • Treatment: Providing, coordinating, or managing healthcare services
  • Payment: Billing and collection activities
  • Healthcare Operations: Quality assurance, training, compliance, and administrative purposes

Permitted Disclosures

PHI may be disclosed:

  • To healthcare providers involved in your care
  • To insurance carriers and payers
  • As required by law or regulation
  • To business associates who are contractually required to safeguard PHI

Any uses or disclosures beyond these purposes require patient authorization unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

Telehealth Services and Jurisdictional Limitations

Metro Dermatology provides telehealth services only to patients located in jurisdictions where our providers are licensed to practice, specifically New York and New Jersey. All telehealth encounters are subject to applicable state and federal privacy and telehealth regulations.

Safeguards to Protect Information

Metro Dermatology maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and PHI against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These safeguards include, but are not limited to:

  • Access controls and role-based permissions
  • Secure electronic systems for storing and transmitting data
  • Staff training on privacy and confidentiality obligations
  • Policies and procedures designed to ensure ongoing HIPAA compliance

Patient Rights

Under HIPAA and applicable state laws, patients have the right to:

  • Access and obtain a copy of their health records
  • Request amendments to their health information
  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
  • Request confidential communications
  • Receive an accounting of disclosures
  • Receive a paper copy of this Privacy Policy upon request

Requests related to patient rights must be submitted in writing and will be handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Website Use and Online Information

Information submitted through our website (such as appointment requests or contact forms) is used solely for legitimate healthcare and administrative purposes. Submission of information through the website does not establish a provider-patient relationship until care is formally initiated.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Metro Dermatology reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. The revised policy will apply to all information maintained by Metro Dermatology.

Contact Information and Complaints

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, our privacy practices, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

Metro Dermatology
(718) 886-9000

Patients may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if they believe their privacy rights have been violated.

Acknowledgment

By using our website or receiving services from Metro Dermatology, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this Privacy Policy.