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.

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.

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 appointment reminders and patient-care information

• Improve website performance and patient experience

We will never sell or rent your information to third parties

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.

Text Messaging & Email Communication

If you provide your phone number, you consent to receive SMS text messages from Bala Family Practice for purposes such as:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations

• Follow-up messages related to your care

• Important office notifications

Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.

You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP.
For assistance, reply HELP or contact our office directly.

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

SMS Privacy

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

All SMS opt-in data and consent will remain confidential and will not be shared, sold, or rented to any third parties.

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.

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.

Third-Party Links

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

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access or request corrections to your information

• Request limits on how we use or share your information

Contact our office for any of these requests.

Contact Us

Bala Family Practice
2021-B Emmorton Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015
(410) 569-1001

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.