Effective Date: June 15, 2026
Rainier Foot & Ankle Associates (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal and health information. This Security & Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information through our website and in connection with our podiatry services in the State of Washington.
Our Commitment to Privacy
We are a HIPAA-covered health care provider committed to protecting your protected health information (“PHI”) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), applicable federal regulations, and Washington State law governing health care information, including the Washington Health Care Information Act (RCW Chapter 70.02).
Information We May Collect
We may collect personal information you voluntarily submit through our website, including your name, phone number, email address, appointment request details, and any other information you provide through forms, email, or phone communications. We may also collect limited technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, referral source, and general website usage data through analytics and security tools.
Health Information and Website Forms
Please do not send urgent medical information or detailed sensitive health information through general website contact forms unless the form is specifically designed for secure medical communication. Standard website forms and email are not always the most secure method for transmitting sensitive medical information. If you need immediate medical attention, please call our office directly or seek emergency care.
How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, provide treatment, obtain payment, conduct health care operations, improve our website, maintain security, comply with legal obligations, and communicate with you about services you have requested.
Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information
We may use or disclose your PHI as permitted or required by law, including for treatment, payment, and health care operations. We may also disclose information when required for public health activities, health oversight, legal processes, law enforcement, to avert a serious threat to health or safety, or as otherwise authorized by law. Any other use or disclosure requiring authorization will only be made with your written permission, unless a lawful exception applies.
Your Patient Privacy Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Request access to your health records
- Request amendments to your health information
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
- Request confidential communications
- Request an accounting of certain disclosures
- Obtain a paper or electronic copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our office using the information provided below.
Website Analytics, Cookies, and Tracking
Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, spam prevention tools, hosting logs, and similar technologies to improve site performance, protect the site from abuse, and better understand website usage. These technologies generally collect technical and usage information rather than medical records. Any personally identifiable information collected through the website will be handled in accordance with this Policy and applicable law. You may adjust cookie settings through your browser at any time.
Security Measures
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal and health information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure. These measures may include secure hosting practices, password controls, access limitations, software updates, malware protection, encrypted website connections (SSL/TLS), and reasonable internal procedures for handling sensitive information. However, no website, email transmission, or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. In the event of a breach affecting your protected health information, we will notify you as required by applicable law.
Third-Party Service Providers
Our website may rely on third-party service providers for hosting, analytics, form processing, spam prevention, and website functionality. These providers may process limited information on our behalf. We expect such providers to maintain appropriate privacy and security measures consistent with their role and applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
This website is not intended to independently collect information from children under the age of 13 without the involvement of a parent or legal guardian. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through this website without appropriate consent, please contact us so we may address the matter promptly.
Washington State Privacy Protections
In addition to HIPAA, Washington State law provides strong protections for health care information under the Washington Health Care Information Act (RCW Chapter 70.02). This law limits the unauthorized disclosure of patient health information and provides patients with the right to access and correct their records. We handle all health care information with these state law obligations in mind.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Our formal Notice of Privacy Practices describes in detail how we may use and disclose protected health information, our legal duties, and your rights regarding your health information. You may request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices by contacting our office at any time. We may update our notice and this page as laws or our practices change, and any updates will be posted here with a revised effective date.
How to File a Complaint
If you have questions about this Policy or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact us:
Rainier Foot & Ankle Associates
1145 Cole Street
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Phone: (360) 761-1285
Fax: (360) 761-1313
Email: info@rainierfootandankle.com
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at www.hhs.gov/ocr or by calling 1-800-368-1019. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Security & Privacy Policy at any time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Your continued use of this website following any updates constitutes your acknowledgment of the revised Policy.