Privacy Policy

Beauty by Balinger | Christopher Balinger MD

1. Introduction

Houston Plastic Surgery Associates LLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit houstonplasticsurgerytx.com or use our services.

As a healthcare provider, we are also subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices governs the use and disclosure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and is provided separately.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information:

Full name, date of birth, contact information (email, phone, address)
Emergency contact information
Language preference and communication preferences

2.2 Health & Clinical Information:

Medical history, current conditions, medications, and allergies
Procedure interests, consultation notes, and treatment records
Insurance and billing details

2.3 SMS & Communication Data:

Phone number and SMS opt-in/opt-out status
Message history for compliance and care coordination purposes

2.4 Website & Technical Data:

IP address, browser type, pages visited
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 8)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

Schedule, manage, and deliver plastic surgery and aesthetic services
Send appointment reminders, consultation confirmations, and post-procedure follow-ups
Send SMS messages to opted-in users (appointment reminders, service notifications, and where separately consented, promotional messages)
Process payments and manage billing
Comply with legal, regulatory, and licensing requirements
Improve our website and service quality
Respond to inquiries and provide patient support

4. SMS Opt-In Data — No Sharing Policy

NO MOBILE INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED WITH THIRD PARTIES OR AFFILIATES FOR MARKETING OR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

Information sharing with subcontractors in support of service operations (such as scheduling or billing vendors) is permitted under appropriate data agreements. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties for any purpose other than direct service delivery.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Healthcare Operations: With treating providers or specialists involved in your care, as permitted under HIPAA.

5.2 Service Providers: With trusted vendors supporting our operations (scheduling, EHR, billing, payment processing) who are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality.

5.3 Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.

5.4 With Your Consent: In any other circumstance, only with your explicit written consent.

6. HIPAA & Your Rights

As a HIPAA-covered provider, your Protected Health Information (PHI) is used only as permitted by law. You have the right to:

Access and obtain copies of your health records
Request corrections to your records
Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
Receive an accounting of disclosures
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected].

7. Your Rights & Opt-Out

You may at any time:

Opt out of SMS messages by texting STOP to (281) 982-4407
Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data by contacting [email protected]
Withdraw consent for marketing communications without affecting your access to services

8. Cookies & Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality. We do not sell data collected through cookies.

9. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal and health information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. While we take reasonable precautions, no internet transmission is completely secure. In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal and health information as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and resolve disputes. Medical records are retained in accordance with Texas state law.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website and SMS program are intended for individuals 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental or guardian consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, contact us immediately.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites including financing providers and skin care product sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies before sharing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted at houstonplasticsurgerytx.com/privacy-policy with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance.

14. Contact Us

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights:

Houston Plastic Surgery Associates LLC
Attn: Dr. Christopher Balinger, MD (Privacy Officer)
841 Yale Street, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (281) 982-4407
Email: [email protected]
Website: houstonplasticsurgerytx.com