Privacy Policy

Bellus Medical Aesthetics and Wellness PLLC d/b/a Bellus Medical (“Bellus Medical”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of patient and visitor information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information, SMS opt-in information, and Protected Health Information in compliance with applicable federal and North Dakota law.

This Privacy Policy is available to patients via a direct link in the footer of our website at https://bellusmedicalminot.com.

Who We Are

Bellus Medical Aesthetics and Wellness PLLC d/b/a Bellus Medical
3108 S. Broadway
Minot, ND 58701
Phone: 701-509-5614
Email: admin@bellusmedicalminot.com
Website: https://bellusmedicalminot.com

Bellus Medical may also appear in older references as Bellus Medical ND. Bellus Medical is a licensed healthcare provider operating exclusively in the State of North Dakota.

This public website is hosted and managed by Indak Media, which serves as the website and marketing administrator. Website forms are provided through Plains.io. Medical records and Protected Health Information are maintained exclusively within OptiMantra, our HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record system.

Jurisdiction

Bellus Medical provides healthcare services exclusively to patients located in the State of North Dakota. We do not offer medical services outside this jurisdiction.

Compliance with Privacy Laws

Bellus Medical complies with:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
• HIPAA Privacy Rule
• HIPAA Security Rule
• HIPAA Breach Notification Rule
• Applicable North Dakota healthcare privacy and medical record laws

We maintain written policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable privacy and security regulations. Staff receive HIPAA training, and we implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect Protected Health Information.

This Privacy Policy does not replace our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which governs the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information. Our Notice of Privacy Practices is available in the office and upon request.

Information We Collect

Website and Non-Medical Information

When visitors voluntarily submit information through our website, we may collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Non-medical form submissions
• IP address
• Browser and device data
• Pages visited and usage data
• SMS/text messaging opt-in selections
• SMS consent records, including the date, time, and method of consent
• Communication preferences, including transactional/informational and promotional messaging preferences

If comments are submitted, we may collect comment form data, IP address, and browser user agent for spam detection.

This information is used for communication, appointment requests, marketing, analytics, and website functionality. Unless submitted through our secure medical system, this information is not considered Protected Health Information.

Marketing communications are based solely on non-medical contact information and do not include or reference Protected Health Information.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

All medical intake forms, health histories, appointment scheduling related to medical care, treatment records, prescriptions, lab results, and clinical communications are collected and stored exclusively within OptiMantra, our HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record system.

OptiMantra:

• Utilizes encryption and secure data transmission
• Maintains role-based access controls
• Executes required Business Associate Agreements
• Retains records in accordance with federal and North Dakota law

Bellus Medical does not store medical records within website hosting platforms, marketing software, or advertising systems.

How We Use Information

Non-medical website data may be used to:

• Respond to inquiries
• Process appointment requests
• Send newsletters or updates, with opt-out available
• Improve website functionality
• Analyze usage trends

Protected Health Information is used only to:

• Provide medical evaluation and treatment
• Coordinate patient care
• Process billing and payments
• Maintain medical records
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

PHI is used and disclosed only as permitted or required by HIPAA.

SMS/Text Messaging Privacy

Bellus Medical may use non-medical contact information, including phone numbers, to send SMS/text messages to users who provide express consent through our website forms or other approved opt-in methods.

SMS/text messages may include customer support replies, appointment requests, appointment confirmations, follow-up communications, service announcements, promotional offers, discounts, event promotions, and other Bellus Medical updates.

Transactional/informational SMS consent and promotional/marketing SMS consent are collected separately through optional, unchecked consent checkboxes. Consent to receive SMS/text messages is not required as a condition of purchase or treatment.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Users may reply STOP to unsubscribe from SMS messages or HELP for help. Users may also contact Bellus Medical at 701-509-5614 or admin@bellusmedicalminot.com for assistance.

Bellus Medical does not purchase, rent, or use third-party lead lists for SMS messaging.

Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell patient information.

Bellus Medical does not sell, rent, share, or disclose mobile phone numbers, SMS opt-in information, or text messaging consent data to third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.

Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except with aggregators, carriers, and service providers as necessary to provide SMS/text messaging services.

All sharing categories described in this Privacy Policy exclude SMS opt-in data and consent unless sharing is necessary to deliver the SMS/text messaging services requested by the user.

Non-medical website data may be shared with service providers assisting with website hosting, analytics, communication systems, or marketing operations.

Protected Health Information may be shared only:

• With HIPAA-compliant service providers under Business Associate Agreements
• With laboratories or healthcare partners as permitted by law
• With payment processors
• When required by law, court order, subpoena, or regulatory authority
• To prevent serious threats to health or safety

Security Measures

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and Protected Health Information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

While we use industry-standard safeguards, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and tracking technologies, including Google Analytics and the Meta Pixel, for analytics and marketing measurement.

Users may disable cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Data Retention

Website and lead data are retained as necessary for operational or communication purposes unless deletion is requested.

Medical records are retained exclusively within our HIPAA-compliant EMR system in accordance with HIPAA and North Dakota medical record retention laws. Medical records cannot be deleted upon request and are retained as required by law.

Patient Rights

Under HIPAA, patients have the right to:

• Access their medical records
• Request amendments
• Request restrictions on certain disclosures
• Receive an accounting of disclosures
• File a complaint without fear of retaliation

Requests may be submitted to admin@bellusmedicalminot.com.

Patients may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

SMS Opt-Out and Communication Preferences

Users may opt out of SMS/text messages at any time by replying STOP to any SMS message from Bellus Medical. Users may reply HELP for assistance.

Users may also contact Bellus Medical at 701-509-5614 or admin@bellusmedicalminot.com to update communication preferences, request assistance, or ask questions about SMS messaging.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date.

Contact Information

Bellus Medical Aesthetics and Wellness PLLC d/b/a Bellus Medical
3108 S. Broadway
Minot, ND 58701
Phone: 701-509-5614
Email: admin@bellusmedicalminot.com