Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 8, 2025
At New England Cancer Specialists, your privacy is important to us. This Informational Website Privacy Policy explains what information our public-facing websites, including NewEnglandCancerSpecialists.org and other affiliated sites (the “Sites”), collect, how it is used, shared, and your options regarding the collection and use of your information. By using the Sites, you agree to our Terms of Use, which include this Privacy Policy. We may update this Privacy Policy periodically, so please review this page regularly for changes.
To learn about how we use or disclose protected health information (“PHI”) under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, please visit our Notice of Privacy Practices. For questions about our Notice of Privacy Practices, contact us at compliance@newecs.org.
1. Types of Information We Collect
We may collect:
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Contact information you provide (name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number)
- Subscription preferences
- Survey responses
- Online User Activity as described below
If you provide information about another individual, you represent that you have their consent.
2. How We Use Information
We use information to:
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Provide the Sites and related services
- Respond to requests, questions, and comments
- Monitor and improve Site performance
- Tailor content and advertising
- Diagnose or fix technology problems
- Comply with legal requirements and enforce policies
We may also use or share aggregated information for research, analysis, marketing, and Site improvement.
We use Matomo Analytics to better understand how visitors interact with our website and improve your experience. Unlike many other analytics platforms, Matomo is an open-source tool that we host on our own secure servers. This means that all data collected stays under our control. By using Matomo, we are able to respect your privacy while still gaining valuable insights into site performance. This setup helps ensure that your personal information remains private, protected, and compliant with data protection regulations such as GDPR.
You may choose to prevent this website from aggregating and analyzing the actions you take here. Doing so will protect your privacy, but will also prevent the owner from learning from your actions and creating a better experience for you and other users.
3. How We Share Information
We may share your information:
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With service providers performing functions for us (e.g., IT services, payment processors, marketing partners)
- If you post content publicly on our Sites or link to social media
- If required by law, to prevent harm or financial loss, during fraud investigations, or to protect personal safety
- In the event of an organizational change of control (e.g., merger or acquisition)
4. Confidentiality and Security
We maintain an information security and privacy program to protect your information. This includes secure firewalls and efforts to prevent unauthorized access. We encrypt user-supplied information as required by law and as appropriate.
5. Online User Activity
We and our partners may collect information about your device and use of our Sites through cookies and similar technologies. This typically includes:
- Usage details (date, time, pages visited, search terms, referring sites)
- Device information (IP address, device type, OS, browser type, mobile network info)
- General location information
Cookies help us identify you, review traffic patterns, improve Sites, and deliver customized content and ads. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie banner. We do not respond to DNT signals.
6. Your Privacy Choices
You can opt out of communications as follows:
- Email: compliance@newecs.org
7. Online Advertising
You may see our ads on various platforms. If our ads appear on inappropriate sites, please contact us via our Contact Us page.
8. AI Disclaimer
At New England Cancer Specialists (NECS), we utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of our communications, content creation, and patient support. Our AI tools, including Intercom on our website, assist with website searches and automated responses to improve the overall user experience.
AI-Generated Content Notice
Some of the information provided through our website, chat tools, and digital communications may be generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy and regularly review AI-assisted content, there may be instances where information is incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.
Data Privacy and Compliance
We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and HIPAA regulations. Our AI-assisted chat feature, Intercom, is HIPAA compliant, and we maintain a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with them to protect personal and health-related information.
Your Rights and Feedback
As a user, you have the right to request information about how AI-generated content is used and to correct or remove personal data as permitted by law. If you have concerns about AI-generated responses or need further clarification, please contact us.
By using our AI-assisted tools, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer.
We welcome feedback and continuously refine our AI-driven support to better serve our patients and community.
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, email compliance@newecs.org or call our Compliance Team at 207-303-3300.
Manage Tracking On Our Website
You may choose to prevent this website from aggregating and analyzing the actions you take here. Doing so will protect your privacy, but will also prevent the owner from learning from your actions and creating a better experience for you and other users.
