Privacy, Terms & Accessibility

Privacy Policy

This policy describes how the website of Dr. Melanie Dewar, Inc. (“the Practice,” “we,” “us”) collects, uses and protects information about visitors to this site. It applies to this website only. Information you share with the Practice as a patient is protected separately under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and California law, as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices you receive when you become a patient.

Information we collect

• Information you give us. If you use the “Request an Introduction” form, call or email us, we receive the details you provide, such as your name, email address, phone number and message.
• Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our hosting provider records basic technical data such as IP address, browser type, pages viewed and the date and time of your visit. We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels. If we add analytics in the future, this policy will be updated.

How we use it

We use the information you provide only to respond to your inquiry, to arrange an introduction to the Practice if you request one, and to operate and secure this website. We do not send marketing email or text messages, and we will not add you to any mailing list.

Please do not send medical information through this website

The website form and email are not secure channels for protected health information. Please do not include symptoms, diagnoses, medications or other health details in a web form or email. We will discuss your health with you by phone, in person or through a secure patient portal.

How we share it

We do not sell, rent or trade personal information. We share it only with service providers who help us run this website and handle inquiries (for example, our web host and form-processing service), who are permitted to use it solely to perform those services; or when required by law, subpoena or court order, or to protect the rights and safety of the Practice or others.

Security and retention

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect the information we hold, including encrypted (HTTPS) transmission for this site. No internet transmission is completely secure. We keep website inquiries only as long as needed to respond to them and as required by law.

Children

This website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them.

Your choices

You may ask us to review, correct or delete the information you have submitted through this website by emailing info@drmelaniedewar.com or calling (310) 295-0960. Requests involving your medical record are handled under HIPAA and the Notice of Privacy Practices. This website does not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals because it does not track visitors across other sites.

Changes

If we change this policy, we will post the revised version here with a new effective date.

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

The Practice does not sell personal information and does not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising, as those terms are defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). There is therefore no sale or sharing to opt out of.

California residents may also have the right to know what personal information we have collected about them, to request its deletion or correction, and not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights. To make a request, email info@drmelaniedewar.com with “California Privacy Request” in the subject line, or call (310) 295-0960. We will verify your identity before responding. An authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf with written permission.

Medical information covered by HIPAA or the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act is exempt from the CCPA and is governed by the Notice of Privacy Practices instead.

Terms of Use

By using this website you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

Informational purpose only

This website provides general information about the Practice and about health topics. It is not medical advice and does not create a physician–patient relationship. See the Medical Disclaimer below.

No emergencies

This website, its form and email are not monitored for urgent matters. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Membership

Nothing on this website is an offer of care or a guarantee of acceptance into the Practice. Membership is subject to a separate written agreement and availability.

Intellectual property

The text, design, photographs and other content on this site are owned by or licensed to the Practice and may not be copied, reproduced or distributed without written permission, except for personal, non-commercial viewing. Third-party names and marks (including certifying boards, institutions and tests mentioned on the site) belong to their respective owners and are used only to describe the Practice's credentials and services.

Links to other sites

Links to outside websites, including the Patient Resources section, are provided for convenience. The Practice does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement or affiliation.

Acceptable use

You agree not to use this site for any unlawful purpose, to submit false or misleading information, or to interfere with the site's operation or security.

Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability

This website is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Practice is not liable for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, this website or any content on it.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute relating to this website will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California.

Changes

We may update these terms at any time by posting a revised version here. Continued use of the site after a change means you accept the revised terms.

Accessibility Statement

The Practice is committed to making this website usable by everyone, including people who use assistive technology. This site is designed to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Level AA. Measures include a skip-to-content link, full keyboard navigation with visible focus, descriptive text for images, labeled form fields, sufficient color contrast, text that can be resized, and respect for reduced-motion settings.

If you experience any difficulty using this website, or would like information from it in another format, please contact us at info@drmelaniedewar.com or (310) 295-0960. Please tell us the page and the problem, and we will work with you to provide the information you need and to fix the issue.

The Practice's office is also accessible to patients with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations are available on request.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional who knows your individual circumstances. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Viewing this website, submitting the inquiry form or communicating with the Practice by email does not create a physician–patient relationship. A physician–patient relationship is established only when you have been accepted as a patient of the Practice and have completed the required agreements.

References to tests, medications, devices, procedures or outside organizations are informational and are not endorsements or guarantees of availability, suitability or results. Individual results vary. Testimonials reflect the experiences of individual patients, shared with their consent, and are not a promise of similar outcomes.

Dr. Dewar is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Board certification reflects completion of each board's requirements and is not a guarantee of any particular result.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.