Introduction
Mid-Atlantic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine (“MAPSM,” “we,” “our,” or “the Practice”) respects the privacy of our patients and website visitors. We are committed to protecting personal information and maintaining the confidentiality of medical information in accordance with applicable federal and Maryland laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
This policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and communicate information through our website, electronic forms, appointment scheduling systems, patient communication services, and other digital interactions.
This policy applies to our website and general electronic communications. Protected health information maintained by our medical practice is also governed by our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
By using our website, you acknowledge that you have been provided access to this policy. Where consent or authorization is legally required, we will obtain it separately.
Information We Collect
We may collect information that patients and website visitors voluntarily provide, including:
- Full name and contact information
- Telephone number and email address
- Appointment requests and scheduling preferences
- Patient registration and demographic information
- Insurance and billing information
- Information submitted through authorized patient forms or secure communication systems
- Other information necessary to respond to requests or provide healthcare services
Our website may also automatically collect limited technical information, such as IP addresses, browser type, device information, and website usage information, depending on the technologies enabled on the website.
We request that patients avoid entering sensitive medical information into general website contact forms unless the form is specifically designated and secured for that purpose.
How We Use Information
Information collected by MAPSM may be used to:
- Schedule, confirm, and manage appointments
- Communicate with patients about healthcare services
- Respond to patient questions and requests
- Provide registration forms and appointment instructions
- Coordinate medical care and referrals
- Process billing, insurance, and payment matters
- Maintain accurate administrative and clinical records
- Improve website functionality and patient services
- Meet applicable legal and regulatory obligations
We do not sell patient information or mobile phone opt-in information to third parties for advertising or promotional purposes.
We may share information with authorized service providers when necessary to support our operations, subject to applicable privacy and security requirements.
HIPAA and Medical Information
MAPSM maintains policies and safeguards designed to protect medical information in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state privacy laws.
Medical information may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or other purposes permitted or required by law.
Certain disclosures require written patient authorization.
Patients have rights regarding their protected health information, including rights to request access, request corrections, request certain restrictions, and obtain information about certain disclosures.
Electronic Patient Communications
MAPSM may communicate with patients through telephone calls, email, text messages, patient portal notifications, and other approved communication methods.
These communications may concern:
- Appointment confirmations and reminders
- Scheduling changes and cancellations
- Registration paperwork
- Appointment preparation instructions
- Administrative questions
- Billing and payment notifications
- General practice-related information
- Follow-up scheduling and care coordination
Messages will be limited to information appropriate for the communication method being used.
Patients should understand that ordinary email and SMS text messaging may not be encrypted and may be accessed by other individuals with access to their devices or communication accounts.
When sensitive medical information must be exchanged, MAPSM may direct patients to an approved secure communication method.
Patients may contact our office to update their communication preferences or request an alternative method of communication.
SMS Text Messaging Policy
MAPSM may offer an automated text messaging program to assist patients with appointment scheduling and other practice-related communications.
Types of Messages
Patients enrolled in the program may receive:
- Appointment confirmations
- Upcoming appointment reminders
- Appointment scheduling updates
- Requests to complete registration paperwork
- Administrative follow-up reminders
- Billing-related notifications, where enabled
Consent
Where required, MAPSM obtains consent before sending automated text messages. Patients may provide consent through registration forms, approved online forms, or other documented enrollment methods.
Consent to receive optional automated text messages is not a condition of receiving medical care.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on appointments, patient requests, and practice-related activities.
Message and Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply according to the patient’s mobile service plan.
Opting Out
Patients may reply STOP to a text message to unsubscribe where that function is supported. Patients may also contact MAPSM directly to request removal from automated text communications.
Help
Patients may reply HELP, where supported, or contact our office for assistance.
Privacy of Mobile Information
Mobile phone numbers, SMS consent records, and messaging opt-in information will not be sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
Information may be provided to authorized messaging service providers solely as necessary to deliver messages and maintain the service, subject to applicable privacy protections.
Carrier Disclaimer
Wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.
Medical Emergencies
Text messages are not monitored as an emergency communication service. Patients experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
Email Communications
MAPSM may use email to communicate appointment information, administrative updates, and other practice-related matters.
Ordinary email is not guaranteed to be secure. Patients should avoid sending sensitive medical records, Social Security numbers, financial account information, or detailed medical concerns through general email unless specifically instructed to use an approved secure method.
Patients may request another communication method by contacting our office.
Marketing emails, if offered, will be subject to applicable consent and unsubscribe requirements.
Patient Portal and Electronic Forms
MAPSM may provide access to secure patient services through an authorized electronic health record or patient portal provider, including Tebra.
These services may allow patients to complete registration forms, communicate with the practice, view permitted health information, or manage administrative requests.
Patients are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their portal login credentials and should notify the practice or service provider if they suspect unauthorized account access.
Third-party platforms may maintain additional privacy notices and terms governing their systems.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, maintain security, and understand general website performance.
Depending on the services enabled, these technologies may collect device or browser information and information about website interactions.
Visitors may be able to restrict cookies through their browser settings, although some website functions may be affected.
MAPSM reviews the privacy implications of third-party website technologies and applies appropriate safeguards when information collected through those technologies is subject to healthcare privacy requirements.
Information Sharing and Third-Party Services
MAPSM may work with authorized technology and administrative service providers to support scheduling, electronic health records, patient communication, billing, payment processing, website hosting, and related operations.
Examples may include Tebra and other service providers approved by the Practice.
Access to patient information is limited to individuals and organizations with an appropriate operational or legal basis for receiving it.
Where required, MAPSM maintains Business Associate Agreements with vendors that create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information on our behalf.
We do not authorize third parties to use protected health information for unrelated advertising or marketing purposes without a valid legal basis or authorization.
Information Security and Retention
MAPSM uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards intended to protect personal and medical information against unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
These safeguards may include access controls, authentication, secure systems, staff training, and other protective measures.
No electronic system or method of internet transmission can be guaranteed completely secure.
Information is retained in accordance with applicable recordkeeping laws, regulatory obligations, and established practice retention policies.
Patient Privacy Rights
Subject to applicable laws, patients may have the right to:
- Request access to their medical records
- Request corrections to certain information
- Request confidential or alternative communications
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
- Obtain an accounting of certain disclosures
- Request a paper copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a privacy complaint without retaliation
Some rights are subject to legal limitations or exceptions.
Patients may exercise applicable rights by contacting MAPSM using the information provided below.
Patients may also file HIPAA complaints with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
For additional information, visit https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/
Website Information and Medical Disclaimer
Information provided on the MAPSM website is intended for general educational and informational purposes.
Website content is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Submitting an online inquiry does not, by itself, establish a physician-patient relationship.
MAPSM does not guarantee uninterrupted website availability or immediate responses to electronic communications.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical attention.
External Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services.
MAPSM is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security policies of external websites that we do not control.
Visitors are encouraged to review the policies of external services before submitting personal information.
Changes to This Policy
MAPSM may revise this policy to reflect changes in our services, technology, communication practices, or legal obligations.
Updates will be posted on this webpage with a revised effective date.
Material changes affecting protected health information will also be addressed through our Notice of Privacy Practices as required by law.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clinical Documentation
Mid-Atlantic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine (MAPSM) may use approved artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to support clinical documentation, administrative processes, and patient care coordination.
These technologies may include AI-assisted medical documentation tools integrated with our electronic health record system, such as Tebra AI Note Assist.
AI-Assisted Clinical Notes
With appropriate patient consent, authorized healthcare professionals may use AI-assisted documentation technology during in-person or telehealth appointments.
These systems may process audio from patient-provider conversations to generate draft clinical notes, including medical histories, symptoms, examination findings, and treatment discussions.
AI-generated documentation is reviewed, corrected when necessary, and approved by an authorized healthcare professional before it becomes part of the finalized clinical record.
AI tools support our healthcare professionals and do not replace their independent clinical judgment.
Patient Consent and Choice
Patients will be informed before AI-assisted audio capture is activated. MAPSM will obtain and document any consent required by applicable law.
Patients may decline AI-assisted recording and request traditional clinical documentation without affecting their access to medical care.
Privacy and Data Protection
MAPSM uses approved healthcare technology providers and applies applicable privacy and security requirements, including HIPAA, when protected health information is processed.
Patient information may be processed by authorized technology providers solely for permitted healthcare and operational purposes, subject to applicable contractual and legal safeguards.
When using Tebra AI Note Assist, Tebra states that the session audio recordings are not retained by its system after processing. Generated clinical documentation may be stored in the patient’s electronic medical record in accordance with applicable retention requirements.
MAPSM does not authorize the use of protected health information for unrelated AI model training, advertising, or marketing without an appropriate legal basis or patient authorization.
Accuracy and Clinical Oversight
AI-generated documentation may contain errors or omissions. Healthcare professionals remain responsible for reviewing the accuracy and completeness of clinical notes and making all clinical decisions.
Patients may contact MAPSM regarding questions or concerns about AI-assisted documentation or their medical records.
Contact Information
For questions regarding privacy, patient communications, medical records, or this policy, please contact:
Mid-Atlantic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
Website: www.Mid-AtlanticPulmonary.com
Phone: (410) 689 – 9245
Email: Jordan@Mid-AtlanticPulmonary.com
Reisterstown Office: 120 Westminster Pike, Suite 106, Reisterstown, MD 21136
Pikesville Office: 1838 Green Tree Road, Suite 300, Pikesville, MD 21208
Patients may also request a printed copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices by contacting our office.
Effective Date: November 11, 2026