Q09: What website analytics would you recommend for a dental clinic website in California that wants to limit tracking?

For a California dental clinic that wants **useful traffic stats without following visitors around the web**, I’d choose **Plausible or Fathom**, configured to collect only aggregate site-use data. If you want the least third-party exposure, use **aggregated server-log analytics** instead. - **Plausible or Fathom:** Both offer cookie-free analytics focused on summary metrics such as page views, referrers, and campaign traffic. They’re a good fit if you want a simple dashboard without ad-style profiling. Review the vendor’s current data handling and contract terms before installing; “cookie-free” doesn’t automatically mean “no data processing.” ([websocket.plausible.io](https://websocket.plausible.io/data-policy?utm_source=openai)) - **Server-log analytics:** Have your web host provide aggregate reports, or use a self-hosted tool. This can reduce data sent to an outside analytics vendor, though server logs themselves may contain IP addresses and should be minimized and retained briefly. **My default setup:** measure page views and broad referral sources; avoid recording form-field content, appointment details, patient names or contact information, and sensitive URL parameters. Keep analytics off appointment forms, patient portals, and other pages that might expose patient information. Don’t add Meta Pixel or advertising retargeting tags. Because dental practices may be HIPAA-covered, review where data goes before adding any script. HHS says HIPAA obligations apply when tracking technology collects or discloses PHI; HHS’s guidance also notes a court vacated one part concerning IP addresses linked to visits to unauthenticated public pages, so the details are nuanced. ([hhs.gov](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/hipaa-online-tracking/index.html?utm_source=openai)) California privacy obligations can also depend on the clinic and the data involved; HIPAA-related exemptions are not necessarily a blanket exemption for every website practice. ([cppa.ca.gov](https://cppa.ca.gov/pdf/business_comply.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Bottom line:** Try Plausible or Fathom for straightforward aggregate reporting; choose server-log analytics if minimizing third-party data sharing is the priority. Have your privacy or HIPAA advisor review the actual configuration and privacy notice—don’t rely on a vendor’s “compliant” label alone.