Bala Family Practice values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or contact our office.

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1. Information We Collect

 

 

We may collect:

 

• Personal information (name, phone number, email address) when you complete forms or request appointments.

• Medical information shared through patient-portal messages, forms, or phone calls.

• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited (for analytics and site improvement).

 

 

We do not collect or store credit-card details on this site.

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2. How We Use Your Information

 

 

We use your information to:

 

• Schedule and manage appointments or communications.

• Provide medical advice or treatment as appropriate.

• Respond to inquiries or requests.

• Send secure appointment reminders and patient-care information.

• Improve website performance and patient experience.

 

 

We will never sell or rent your information to third parties.

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3. HIPAA Notice

 

 

Bala Family Practice complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Protected Health Information (PHI) obtained through our practice, patient portal, or communications is used or disclosed only for treatment, payment, or health-care operations unless you authorize otherwise or as required by law.

 

For details on how we handle PHI, please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices available in our office and patient portal.

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4. Text Messaging & Email Communication

 

 

If you provide your phone number or email address, you may receive:

 

• Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations

• Follow-up messages related to your care

• Occasional health updates or office announcements

 

 

Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP.

Email communication should not be used for urgent medical needs—please call our office directly for time-sensitive matters.

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5. Cookies and Website Analytics

 

 

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand traffic patterns and improve usability.

Cookies do not identify individual users. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.

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6. Data Security

 

 

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal and health information.

While we strive to ensure security, no electronic system is 100% secure; transmission of data via the internet is at your own risk.

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7. Third-Party Links

 

 

Our website may include links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

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8. Your Rights

 

 

You have the right to:

 

• Access or request corrections to your information

• Request limits on how we use or share your information

• Withdraw consent for marketing messages

 

 

Contact our Privacy Officer for any of these requests.

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9. Contact Us

 

 

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact:

 

Bala Family Practice

 2021-B Emmorton Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

 (410) 569 1001

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10. Policy Updates

 

 

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.