Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
At MELA Urgent and Primary Care (“MELA”, “we,” “us,” or “our”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal and health-related information, both online and in our clinic. By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to the terms of this policy.
-
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
-
a) Personal Identification Information
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact information
- Employment information (for occupational health services)
-
b) Health and Medical Information (Protected Health Information or PHI)
- Medical history
- Symptoms and diagnoses
- Lab test results
- Vital signs and exam findings
- Prescriptions and treatment plans
- Insurance information
- Payment and billing records
- Physician or specialist referrals
-
c) Website and Digital Information
- IP address and browser type
- Device information
- Pages viewed and session times
- Location data (if enabled)
- Online forms or appointment requests submitted
-
How We Collect Information
We collect your information through the following methods:
- During clinic registration or intake
- Through online forms, appointment bookings, or contact requests
- During medical evaluations, treatments, and follow-ups
- Via phone calls, SMS messages, or email communications
- From insurance providers or third-party healthcare partners (with consent)
- Through website analytics tools (cookies, log files, tracking pixels)
-
Use of Information
We use the information collected for purposes such as:
-
a) Medical Services
- Diagnosing and treating your health conditions
- Coordinating care with specialists or labs
- Creating and maintaining accurate medical records
-
b) Administrative and Operational Purposes
- Scheduling appointments and patient communications
- Billing, invoicing, and insurance claims processing
- Complying with federal and state healthcare regulations
-
c) Marketing and Communication (With Consent)
- Sending wellness updates, health alerts, or clinic announcements
- Responding to inquiries or patient feedback
- Promoting new services or events (optional and opt-out enabled)
-
d) Website Optimization
- Improving user experience
- Monitoring site usage and performance
- Preventing fraudulent or unauthorized access
-
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We do not sell your personal or medical information. However, we may share your data with trusted third parties for limited purposes:
- Healthcare Providers: With physicians, specialists, or labs involved in your care
- Insurance Companies: For billing, coverage verification, and claims processing
- Regulatory Bodies: To comply with legal obligations (HIPAA, OSHA, DOT)
- Service Providers: IT support, billing platforms, or website hosts who must protect your data
- Legal Authorities: When required by law, court orders, or public health requirements
All third parties are required to follow strict confidentiality and security protocols.
-
Data Protection and Security
We implement robust safeguards to protect your data:
- Secure electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Encrypted communication channels
- Firewall and antivirus-protected servers
- Physical access controls at our clinic
- Employee HIPAA training and confidentiality agreements
Although no method of transmission is 100% secure, we strive to follow industry best practices to keep your information safe.
-
Your Rights and Choices
As a patient, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of your medical records
- Correction: Request updates or corrections to your records
- Restriction: Ask us to limit how your information is used or shared
- Confidential Communications: Request contact through alternate methods or addresses
- Opt-Out: Decline marketing emails or messages at any time
- Data Portability: Request your records to be sent to another provider (where applicable)
To exercise these rights, contact us at:
Email: [Insert Privacy Contact Email]
Phone: 757-452-8228
Mail: 953 Montreal Rd, Suite B, Clarkston, GA 30021
-
Cookies and Online Tracking
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and analyze traffic. Cookies do not store personal health information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features may become unavailable.
We may use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel for marketing insights, which collect anonymized traffic data.
-
Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 online. Medical records for minors are collected with parent/guardian consent and used only for care and compliance purposes.
-
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites. MELA is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.
-
Policy Updates
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in regulations, technology, or our services. The most recent version will always be posted on our website with the effective date.
-
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact: