Privacy Policy
Effective Date: October 17, 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how Sama Dermatology, PLLC (“Sama Dermatology,” “Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, protects, and shares information about you through our website located at www.samadermatology.com, our telehealth platform, and any related services.
Sama Dermatology, PLLC is an Illinois-based telehealth dermatology practice founded by Dr. Sacharitha Bowers, FAAD, a licensed physician and board-certified dermatologist in Illinois.
As a healthcare provider, we comply with all applicable federal and Illinois privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH).
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you complete intake forms, schedule appointments, participate in telehealth visits, or communicate with us. This may include your name, date of birth, contact information, health history, emergency contact details, and payment information. Certain information collected in connection with medical services constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA.
Non-Personal Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect technical information such as IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and time spent on our site. This information is collected through cookies and analytics tools to improve website performance and user experience.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to provide telehealth dermatology services, evaluate and treat conditions, prescribe medications when appropriate, maintain medical records, and coordinate care.
We also use information for appointment reminders, billing communications, responding to inquiries, processing payments, improving our website, and complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
3. How We Share Information
We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information. We may share limited information with service providers who assist us in operating our practice, including website hosting providers, HIPAA-compliant EMR and telehealth platforms, payment processors, and analytics providers. These vendors are required to safeguard your information.
We may also disclose information as required by law, including mandatory reporting obligations or to prevent serious and imminent harm.
4. HIPAA and Protected Health Information
Sama Dermatology complies with HIPAA and HITECH requirements. You have the right to access your medical records, request corrections, request restrictions on certain disclosures, and file a complaint regarding our privacy practices. Please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices for additional details.
5. Telehealth Privacy Considerations
Telehealth services are provided using HIPAA-compliant audio-visual technologies. However, electronic communications carry inherent risks, including technical failures or unauthorized interception. We use industry-standard safeguards to reduce these risks. Recording of telehealth sessions is prohibited unless expressly consented to by both parties.
6. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Access to your information is restricted to authorized personnel.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enable functionality and analyze traffic. You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
8. Data Retention
We retain medical records and related data in accordance with Illinois law and applicable federal requirements. Records are maintained securely for as long as required to meet legal and operational obligations.
9. Your Rights and Choices
You may request access to your personal information, request corrections, request deletion of non-medical personal data where permitted, withdraw consent for telehealth services, and opt out of non-essential communications.
10. Contact Information
Sama Dermatology, PLLC
Email: info@samadermatology.com
Phone: (206) 795-7969
Website: samadermatology.com
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.