Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Gastroenterology Medical of Los Angeles - Fernando Ibarra MD INC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website and submit appointment requests. Please note that this website serves as an informational portal and appointment request system only - we do not store medical records or personal health information on this website.

2. Information We Collect

Contact Information (via appointment forms)

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth (for appointment scheduling)
• Basic contact preferences
• Reason for appointment request
• Insurance information (if provided voluntarily)

Website Information

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Form submissions and appointment requests

Important: This website does not collect, store, or process medical records, treatment information, or protected health information (PHI). All medical information is handled through our secure, HIPAA-compliant practice management system operated by certified third-party providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

Appointment Coordination

• Processing and responding to appointment requests
• Contacting you to schedule consultations
• Providing basic information about our services
• Scheduling appointments and sending reminders
• Transferring your contact information to our secure practice management system

Website Operations

• Improving our website functionality and user experience
• Analyzing website traffic and usage patterns
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending appointment confirmations and general practice information

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your contact information with:

• Practice Management System: Your appointment request information is transferred to our secure, HIPAA-compliant practice management system operated by certified third-party providers
• Appointment Scheduling: Our administrative staff to coordinate scheduling
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect public health
• Emergency Situations: To prevent serious harm to you or others

We do not sell your contact information to third parties. All medical information and records are managed exclusively through our certified practice management partners who comply with all applicable privacy regulations.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic using Google Analytics
• Improve our website's functionality
• Provide relevant content and information

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

6. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know: What personal information we collect and how we use it
• Delete: Request deletion of your contact information from our website systems
• Opt-Out: Request that we do not sell or share your personal information
• Non-Discrimination: Receive equal service regardless of exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at (626) 284-1350 or info@gastroenterologymedical.com.

Note: Medical records and health information are managed through our practice management system and subject to separate privacy policies and retention requirements.

7. Medical Information and HIPAA

While this website does not store medical records, Gastroenterology Medical of Los Angeles complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) through our certified practice management partners. All medical information, health records, and protected health information (PHI) are handled exclusively through secure, HIPAA-compliant systems.

Once you become a patient, you will receive a separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices that governs how your medical information is protected within our practice management system.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage
• Secure servers and networks
• Regular security assessments
• Staff training on privacy and security
• Access controls and authentication

For medical information security, we rely on industry-leading, certified healthcare technology providers who maintain the highest standards of HIPAA compliance and data protection.

9. Data Retention

We retain your contact information for as long as necessary to:

• Process your appointment requests
• Maintain communication about scheduling
• Comply with basic legal requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Contact information from appointment requests is typically retained for 2 years unless you request deletion. Medical records and health information are managed separately through our practice management system and follow medical record retention requirements.

10. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services may be provided to minors under the supervision of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: