Austin Transformational Health dba Your Gut Story (“Your Gut Story,” “YGS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal and health information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you use our website, purchase our services, submit health information, participate in consultations, or interact with our services (collectively, the “Services”).
Our goal is simple: to protect your information while using data responsibly to improve care and advance understanding of gut health.
By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information in order to provide and improve our Services.
1.1 Personal Information
Personal information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing or shipping address
- Date of birth
- Account login information
- Payment information (processed securely through a third-party payment processor such as Stripe)
We do not store full credit card numbers.
1.2 Health and Wellness Information
To provide gut health guidance and related services, we may collect health-related information including:
- Health history
- Symptoms and health concerns
- Dietary habits
- Medication and supplement information
- Lifestyle information
- GI-MAP or other laboratory test results
- Microbiome or stool test data
- Consultation notes and recommendations
When collected in connection with healthcare services, this information may constitute Protected Health Information (PHI) under applicable law.
1.3 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect limited technical information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Date and time of visits
- Referring website
This information helps maintain the functionality, performance, and security of our Services.
1.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve our website.
Types of cookies may include:
- Essential cookies
- Analytics cookies (such as Google Analytics)
- Preference cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality.
1.5 Information From Third Parties
We may receive information from third parties involved in delivering our services.
Laboratory Providers
Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory or other laboratory partners may provide:
- Test results
- Sample processing information
Payment Processors
Payment processors such as Stripe provide:
- Payment confirmations
- Transaction details
We do not receive or store complete credit card numbers.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use information only as reasonably necessary to provide and improve our Services.
This includes:
- Processing orders and payments
- Shipping test kits
- Coordinate laboratory testing
- Delivering test results and reports
- Conducting consultations
- Creating wellness protocols
- Communicating with you about services
- Providing customer support
- Maintaining accurate business records
- Improving our website and services
- Complying with legal obligations
3. Internal Research and Service Improvement
To improve our ability to support individuals dealing with gut health challenges, YGS may analyze information collected through our Services.
We may use information to:
- Improve clinical protocols
- Refine interpretation methods
- Analyze health outcome trends
- Develop new services and educational materials
- Improve testing interpretation tools
These activities support internal research, service improvement, and quality assurance.
4. De-Identified and Aggregated Information
We may remove identifying information from personal or health data to create de-identified or aggregated data.
This data cannot reasonably identify an individual.
De-identified data may be used for:
- Internal analytics
- Service development
- Research and education
- Development of gut health protocols
- Population-level insights
5. Commitment Not to Re-Identify Data
When YGS creates de-identified datasets, we maintain safeguards designed to prevent re-identification.
We do not attempt to re-identify individuals except when necessary to:
- Validate de-identification processes
- Investigate security incidents
- Comply with legal obligations
6. How We Share Information
We do not sell personal information.
We may share information with trusted service providers who assist in operating our Services.
These may include:
- Laboratory providers
- Secure hosting providers•
- Payment processors
- Communication platforms
- Scheduling systems
- Analytics providers
- Shipping carriers
These providers are contractually required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.
We may also disclose information if required by law or legal process.
7. Research and Collaboration
From time to time, YGS may collaborate with laboratories, researchers, or service providers to advance understanding of gut health.
In these cases we may share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably identify individuals.
8. Marketing and Communications
We may send communications related to:
- Service updates
- Educational resources
- Newsletters
- Program announcements
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link or by contacting:
hello@yourgutstory.com
We do not use Protected Health Information for targeted advertising and do not share health information with advertisers.
9. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal and health information.
Measures may include:
• encrypted data transmission• secure data storage• access controls• vendor confidentiality agreements• security monitoring and updates
While we take reasonable precautions, no system can guarantee absolute security.
10. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as reasonably necessary.
Typical retention periods include:
Health records (PHI): retained in accordance with healthcare regulations, typically at least 7 years after the last service
Payment records: retained for 7 years
Analytics data: typically up to 26 months
When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete or anonymize it.
11. Educational Information Disclaimer
Information provided through the Services is intended for educational and informational purposes.
It does not replace individualized medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
Users should consult their healthcare provider regarding medical decisions.
12. Laboratory Data Limitation
Laboratory testing may be performed by independent third-party laboratories.
YGS does not control laboratory methodologies or processes and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of laboratory results.
Interpretations and recommendations are based on available information and should be considered in the broader context of an individual’s healthcare.
13. Analytical Tools
YGS may use analytical tools or technology to assist in interpreting health data or improving service recommendations.
These tools support clinical interpretation but do not replace professional judgment.
14. Minors and Parental Consent
Our Services and Minors
Our services may be used by individuals of any age, but all orders must be placed by an adult (18 years or older).
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without verifiable parental consent. For minors under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:
- Complete and submit the order form
- Provide consent for the minor to use our testing services
- Provide all personal information on behalf of the minor
If a parent or guardian becomes aware that their child has provided us with information without proper parental consent, please contact us immediately at hello@yourgutstory.com and we will delete such information.
15. HIPAA Rights
If your information qualifies as Protected Health Information (PHI), you may have rights under HIPAA including:
- The right to access your health records
- The right to request corrections
- The right to request restrictions on disclosures
- The right to confidential communications
- The right to receive an accounting of disclosures
- The right to file a privacy complaint
Requests can be submitted to:
hello@yourgutstory.com
16. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents may have additional rights including:
- The right to know what personal information is collected
- The right to request deletion of personal information
- The right to request access to specific personal information
We do not sell personal information.
Requests may be submitted to:
hello@yourgutstory.com
17. International Data Transfers
Our Services are operated in the United States.
If you access our Services from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.
18. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements.
If material changes occur, we will update the "Last Updated" date and may provide additional notice.
19. Contact Information
Austin Transformational Health
dba Your Gut Story
Website: www.yourgutstory.com
Email: hello@yourgutstory.com
Subject Line Suggestions
- Privacy Inquiry
- HIPAA Request
- Deletion Request
Questions About Privacy?
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at hello@yourgutstory.com