ScalpelHealth

Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 13, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Scalpel ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website and use our services. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

By using Scalpel, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "session cookies" (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device until they expire or you delete them).

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.

  • Authentication: Clerk authentication cookies to keep you logged in securely
  • Session Management: Cookies to remember your session and prevent unauthorized access
  • Security: Cookies to protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and other security threats
  • Load Balancing: Cookies to distribute traffic efficiently across our servers

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

  • User Preferences: Remember your settings, choices, and customizations
  • UI State: Remember your dashboard layout, filters, and view preferences
  • Form Data: Remember information you've entered in forms to avoid re-entry
  • Feature Access: Enable specific features you've chosen to use

3.3 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our service.

  • Usage Analytics: Track which pages are visited, how long users stay, and which features are used
  • Performance Monitoring: Identify technical issues and slow-loading pages
  • Error Tracking: Detect and diagnose errors to improve stability
  • A/B Testing: Test different versions of features to improve user experience

We may use services like Google Analytics, Vercel Analytics, or similar tools for this purpose.

3.4 Payment Cookies

When you make a payment, our payment processor (Stripe) uses cookies to securely process your payment and prevent fraud.

  • Payment Processing: Stripe cookies to handle secure payment transactions
  • Fraud Detection: Cookies to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions
  • Payment Method Storage: Remember your saved payment methods (if you choose to save them)

4. Third-Party Cookies

We use the following third-party services that may set cookies on your device:

  • Clerk: Authentication and user management
  • Stripe: Payment processing
  • Vercel: Hosting and analytics
  • Cloudflare: Content delivery and security
  • Analytics Services: Google Analytics or similar (if enabled)

These third parties may use cookies for their own purposes, such as analytics, security, or fraud prevention. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies to understand how they use cookies.

5. Managing Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences in several ways:

5.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to:

  • Block all cookies
  • Block third-party cookies only
  • Delete cookies when you close your browser
  • Notify you when a cookie is being set

Please note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from using certain features of our service, including logging in and accessing your account.

5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

5.3 Opt-Out Links

You can opt out of analytics tracking:

6. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices and provide the cookie controls described above.

7. Cookie Retention

The length of time a cookie remains on your device depends on its type:

  • Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent Cookies: Remain until they expire (typically 30-365 days) or you delete them
  • Authentication Cookies: Remain until you log out or they expire (typically 7-30 days)
  • Preference Cookies: Remain until you clear them (typically 1-2 years)

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

10. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy: