Legal & Testimonial Disclaimer
Individual results may vary. Testimonials are from real patients but are not intended to represent or guarantee that others will achieve the same or similar results. Each patient’s experience is unique and depends on factors such as level of commitment, individual circumstances, exercise habits, eating habits, and application of the information provided. The testimonials shared are meant to showcase what some patients have achieved, but they do not necessarily reflect typical outcomes.
You should not begin any program if you have a medical condition that precludes acupuncture, dietary changes, or exercise adjustments. Fire Over Water Acupuncture PLLC is a wellness clinic staffed by Licensed Acupuncturists who provide guidance and treatment within the legal scope of practice as regulated by the NY, NJ, and CA State Boards of Acupuncture Examiners.
Our services and advice are not a substitute for medical care or advice from a physician. We do not diagnose medical conditions. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or dietary program.
Privacy Policy
Fire Over Water Acupuncture & Functional Medicine
Effective Date: January 2021
Last Updated: December 2025
Introduction
Fire Over Water Acupuncture PLLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws.
Information We Collect
Protected Health Information (PHI)
We collect and maintain health information necessary to provide you with quality care, including:
Personal identifiers: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number
Medical history: Health conditions, symptoms, medications, allergies, previous treatments
Treatment information: Acupuncture treatments, functional medicine assessments, FSM therapy sessions, herbal medicine prescriptions
Fertility-related information: Reproductive health history, fertility treatments, test results
Insurance information: Insurance provider details, policy numbers, coverage information
Payment information: Credit card details, billing address, payment history
Other Information
Appointment scheduling data: Appointment dates, times, preferences
Communication records: Emails, phone calls, text messages related to your care
Website usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited (collected through cookies)
How We Use Your Information
We use your protected health information for the following purposes:
Treatment
Providing acupuncture, functional medicine, FSM therapy, and herbal medicine services
Coordinating your care with other healthcare providers when appropriate
Maintaining accurate medical records
Payment
Processing payments for services rendered
Billing your insurance company
Collecting outstanding balances
Managing payment plans
Healthcare Operations
Improving the quality of care we provide
Training staff and students
Conducting business planning and administrative functions
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
With Your Authorization
We may use or disclose your health information for purposes not covered above only with your written authorization. You may revoke such authorization at any time in writing.
How We Share Your Information
Required by Law
We may disclose your health information when required by federal, state, or local law.
Healthcare Providers
We may share your information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, including:
Referring physicians
Laboratories conducting tests
Other practitioners coordinating your treatment
Business Associates
We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our practice, including:
Billing and payment processors
Electronic health record systems
Appointment scheduling platforms
Email and communication services
All business associates are required to sign agreements ensuring they protect your health information in compliance with HIPAA.
Insurance Companies
We may disclose your health information to your insurance company for payment and healthcare operations purposes.
Public Health and Safety
We may disclose your information when necessary to:
Prevent or control disease, injury, or disability
Report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
Report adverse events related to medications or medical devices
Comply with workers' compensation laws
We Will NOT:
Sell your personal health information
Use your information for marketing purposes without your authorization
Share your information with third parties for their marketing purposes
Disclose your information to family members or friends without your permission (except in emergency situations)
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the following rights regarding your protected health information:
Right to Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health records. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Right to Amend
You may request that we amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information. We are not required to agree to your request but will consider it carefully.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location (for example, by mail rather than phone).
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Privacy Policy at any time.
Right to File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Fire Over Water Acupuncture PLLC
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Data Security
We implement appropriate physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your health information, including:
Physical safeguards: Locked filing cabinets, restricted access to offices, secure disposal of records
Technical safeguards: Encrypted electronic health records, password-protected systems, secure data transmission
Administrative safeguards: Staff training on HIPAA compliance, privacy policies and procedures, regular security assessments
Data Retention
We retain your health information for as long as necessary to provide you with care and as required by law. In New York State, medical records must be retained for at least six years from the date of last treatment.
Minors
If you are under 18 years of age, we may share your health information with your parent or legal guardian as permitted by law, except in circumstances where you have the legal right to consent to care without parental involvement.
Website and Technology
Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
Email Communication
We may communicate with you via email for appointment reminders, health information, and practice updates. Email is not a secure method of communication for sensitive health information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. The revised policy will apply to all information we maintain, including information created or received before the changes were made.
Notice of Privacy Practices
This Privacy Policy serves as our Notice of Privacy Practices as required by HIPAA. You will receive a copy of this notice at your first visit to our practice, and it is available on our website at any time.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Fire Over Water Acupuncture & Functional Medicine
125 West 72nd St 3F, NY, NY 10023
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 646-627-4509
Email: hello@fireoverwater.com
Website: www.fireoverwater.com
Privacy Officer: Christine Palma
Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices.
This Privacy Policy complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and its implementing regulations, as well as applicable New York State privacy laws.