1. Introduction

Advanced Pain and Neurology Center, LLC (“we,” “our,” “the Clinic”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard the information you provide when you visit our website or use our online services.

This privacy policy applies only to our online activities and is valid for visitors to our website and regarding information shared and/or collected there. This policy does not apply to any information collected offline or via channels other than this website.

By using our website, you agree to the terms described below.

2. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including but not limiting to:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Reason for appointment or message

• Messages

B. Automatically Collected Information

Our website may automatically collect:

• IP address

• Device and browser details

• Pages visited and time spent

• Click paths and usage patterns

• Cookies and tracking data (including those used by Google Analytics)

3. Protected Health Information (PHI)

If you submit health-related information through secure forms or the patient portal, it may be considered Protected Health Information (PHI). We handle all PHI in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

PHI is used only for:

• Treatment

• Healthcare operations

• Appointment scheduling

• Other permitted purposes under HIPAA

We do not use or share PHI for marketing or advertising.

For full details, please refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, available upon request.

4. Google Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with our site.

Google Analytics collects information such as:

• IP address (may be anonymized depending on settings)

• Browser and device characteristics

• Pages viewed

• Time spent on the site

• Referring websites

• Approximate geographic location (city/state)

How we use Google Analytics data

We use this data to:

• Improve website performance

• Enhance user experience

• Understand which content is most helpful

• Maintain site security and functionality

How Google may use this data

Google may process this data in accordance with its own Privacy Policy. Google may also combine analytics data with other information they hold about you if you use other Google services.

Opt-Out Options

Visitors may opt out by:

• Installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On, or

• Adjusting browser cookie and privacy settings

5. How We Use Your Information

We may use personal or website usage information to:

• Respond to inquiries

• Schedule appointments

• Improve website functionality

• Prevent fraud and security risks

• Provide updates or communications (when opted in)

• Analyze aggregated website trends (via Google Analytics)

We do not sell personal information.

6. How We Share Information

We may share information with:

• Website hosting providers

• Email and communication service providers

• Healthcare partners involved in treatment (for PHI only)

All third-party partners must protect your information and use it only as authorized.

We do not share, sell, rent, or disclose SMS consent or phone numbers collected for SMS communication purposes to any third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

• Support essential site functions

• Enable analytics

• Remember certain preferences

You may disable cookies in your browser, though some features may not function properly.

8. Data Security

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect personal and health information. However, no online system is completely secure.

9. Third-Party Links

Our site may contain links to external websites (e.g., patient portals, resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party sites.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed toward children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

11. Your Rights and Choices

You may request to:

• Update or correct personal information

• Opt out of marketing messages

• Request deletion of certain data (subject to medical/legal requirements)

12. Changes to This Privacy Notice

We may update this Privacy Notice periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

13. SMS Terms and Conditions

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Advanced Pain and Neurology Center, you agree to the following terms:

• Consent for SMS Communication
  Phone numbers collected during the SMS opt-in process will be used solely for communication related to our services and will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

• Types of SMS Communications
  By opting in, you may receive SMS messages such as: Appointment reminders, Follow-up messages or Billing inquiries

• Message Frequency
  Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 15 messages per week related to appointments or billing.

• Potential Fees for SMS Messaging
  Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier’s plan. These rates may vary between domestic and international messages.

• Opt-In Methods
  You may opt in to receive SMS messages from Advanced Pain & Neurology Center by submitting an online form.

• Opt-Out Instructions
  You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any SMS message, or by contacting us directly at info@advancedpainneurology.com.

• Help
  For assistance, reply with the keyword “HELP” or contact us at info@advancedpainneurology.com.

• Additional Options
  If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, please do not check the SMS consent box on our forms.

• Standard Messaging Disclosures

  • Message and data rates may apply.

  • You can opt out at any time by texting “STOP.”

  • For assistance, text “HELP” or visit our Privacy Policy: https://www.advancedpainneurology.com/privacy-policy.

  • Message frequency may vary.

14. SMS Privacy Policy

Advanced Pain and Neurology Center is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your SMS contact and message data. We do not sell or share SMS data with third parties.

Collection and Use of SMS Data

When you communicate with Advanced pain and Neurology Center via SMS, we may collect:

• Your phone number

• Message content

This information is used solely to respond to inquiries and provide customer support and services. We will not use your data for any other purposes without your consent.

Protection of SMS Data

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your SMS data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Disclosure of SMS Data

We do not disclose your SMS data to third parties except as required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our organization or users.

Your Rights

You may request access to, correction, or deletion of your SMS data, except where retention is required by law. For assistance, contact us at info@advancedpainneurology.com.

Data Retention

We retain SMS data for up to 6 years based on operational and legal requirements.

Policy Updates

We reserve the right to update this SMS Privacy Policy at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to our website. We encourage you to review it regularly.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns, please contact us at info@advancedpainneurology.com.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or our data practices, please contact:

Advanced Pain and Neurology Center, LLC
501 N Frederick Ave, Suite 302
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Email: info@advancedpainneurology.com
Phone: 240-220-6600