Effective Date: April 07, 2025

At Meridian Weight Loss, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and protected health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy describes the information we collect, how we use and protect it, and your rights regarding that information. This policy is designed to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable Data Protection Laws.

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, you may not use our website or services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information from you:

• Personal Information: This includes your name, contact details (such as email address and phone number), payment information, and other details you provide during the use of our services.
• Protected Health Information (PHI): This includes information related to your health status, medical treatments, or payment for medical services.
• Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI): This includes health-related data stored or transmitted electronically.
• Usage Data: This includes non-personally identifiable data collected automatically, such as IP addresses, browser types, and pages visited on our website.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing Healthcare Services: To provide medical treatment, health-related advice, weight loss guidance, and other services related to your health.
• Payment and Billing: To process payments and insurance claims for services provided.
• Communication: To send appointment reminders, updates, and other information related to our services.
• Website and Service Improvement: To improve user experience and ensure our services meet your needs.
• Compliance: To comply with HIPAA, state, and federal laws regarding healthcare practices, including reporting, audits, and investigations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with the following parties:

• Healthcare Providers: For treatment and coordination of care.
• Insurance Companies: For billing and payment purposes.
• Business Associates: With service providers who assist us in providing healthcare services (under a Business Associate Agreement compliant with HIPAA).
• Government Agencies: As required by law, including compliance with public health authorities or law enforcement.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, subpoena, or legal process.

4. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights concerning your PHI:

• Right to Access: You may request a copy of your health records and other information we maintain about you.
• Right to Correct: You may request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information in your records.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request limitations on how we use or disclose your PHI.
• Right to Confidential Communications: You may request to receive communications from us in an alternate format or location (e.g., by mail instead of email).
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of disclosures of your PHI.
• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

5. Security of Your Information

We implement physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your information, including encryption, secure servers, and restricted access. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, so while we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Retention of Your Information

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. After this period, we will securely dispose of or anonymize your data.

7. Disclosure of Your Information Under HIPAA Compliance

In accordance with HIPAA, Meridian Weight Loss is obligated to safeguard your PHI. We use and disclose your PHI only as necessary to provide healthcare services, process billing, and comply with legal requirements.

• We may disclose your PHI to third-party contractors who assist in providing services on our behalf (e.g., billing companies, healthcare providers). These entities are required to follow HIPAA standards through a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
• We may use or disclose only the minimum necessary PHI required for each purpose.

8. SMS and Electronic Communication Consent

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS or other electronic communications from Meridian Weight Loss related to your care, appointments, or other services. You may opt out at any time by replying with "STOP."

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website, such as remembering your preferences and analyzing website traffic. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website, and the revised policy will be effective as of the updated date.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or file a complaint, please contact us:

Meridian Weight Loss
5620 Saint Barnabas Rd #360
Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745
Phone: +1 301-971-2200
Email: [email protected]