Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: July 30, 2026

1. Introduction

Margaret Bowen MD PLLC, doing business as Restoration is a Journey (RIAJ), operates this website and the RIAJ mobile application (together, the Platform) to help patients in North Carolina and Virginia manage appointments and receive telemedicine services. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights you have over your information.

This Policy applies to everyone who visits our website, creates an account, or uses the RIAJ mobile app, whether or not you become a patient of the clinic.


2. Our Commitment to HIPAA

We are a healthcare provider covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We maintain physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI), and we only use and disclose PHI as permitted under HIPAA and this Policy.

Under HIPAA, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your medical records and billing information
  • Request a correction or amendment to your records
  • Request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your information
  • Request restrictions on how we use or share your information
  • Request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location
  • Receive a paper copy of this Policy at any time, even if you agreed to receive it electronically
  • File a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, without fear of retaliation

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 12.


3. Additional Protections for Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2)

Because RIAJ provides Medication Assisted Treatment and Substance Abuse Counseling, records related to substance use disorder treatment receive additional federal confidentiality protection under 42 CFR Part 2, beyond what HIPAA requires generally.

This means:

  • We cannot disclose information that identifies you as a patient receiving substance use disorder treatment without your specific written consent, except in limited circumstances permitted by law (such as medical emergencies or as required by a court order).
  • Substance use disorder records cannot be used against you in any criminal or civil proceeding without your consent or a court order that meets specific legal requirements.
  • Any entity that receives your substance use disorder records from us is bound by these same restrictions and cannot re-disclose them without proper authorization.

If you have questions about how this applies to your specific records, contact us directly.


4. Information We Collect

Identity and contact information. Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address.

Health information. Medical history, medications, treatment notes, appointment records, and other information you or your care team provide during treatment.

Appointment and scheduling information. Appointment dates, times, service type, and clinic location.

Communications. Records of messages, intake forms, and any information you submit through our contact forms.

Text message (SMS) information. If you provide your phone number, we may send appointment confirmations, reminders, and related updates by SMS. Providing a phone number is optional and is never required to book an appointment.

Telemedicine session information. When you attend a video visit, information about the session itself (such as date, time, and duration) is recorded in our system. Video and audio during the session are transmitted through our video visit provider as described in Section 6, and are not stored by RIAJ after the session ends unless required for your medical record.

Mobile app and device information. If you use the RIAJ app, we may collect device type, app usage data, and push notification tokens so we can deliver appointment reminders and updates.

Website usage information. Standard technical information such as browser type, pages visited, and IP address, collected automatically when you visit our website.

We do not collect payment information through the website or app. RIAJ does not process patient payments on this Platform. Billing and insurance are handled directly by clinic staff outside of the website and app.


5. How We Use Your Information

We use the information described above to:

  • Provide and coordinate your treatment
  • Schedule, confirm, and remind you of appointments
  • Communicate with you about your care
  • Operate and improve the website and mobile app
  • Meet our legal, regulatory, and record-keeping obligations
  • Respond to inquiries submitted through our contact forms

We do not sell your information, and we do not use your health information for marketing purposes without your authorization.


6. How We Share Your Information

We only share your information with the following categories of parties, and only as needed to operate the Platform and provide your care:

Cloud hosting provider. We use Amazon Web Services (AWS) to securely host our website, database, and patient data. AWS is a HIPAA-eligible hosting provider, and we maintain a signed Business Associate Agreement with AWS covering the storage and hosting of PHI.

Email and notification services. Appointment notifications and account communications are sent through an email service provider operating under a signed Business Associate Agreement, consistent with HIPAA requirements for handling any PHI included in those communications.

Video visit provider. Telemedicine appointments are conducted through Google Meet. We use Google Meet under terms appropriate for handling PHI in a telehealth setting.

Legal and regulatory disclosures. We may disclose information when required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or public health reporting obligation, subject to the additional protections described in Section 3 for substance use disorder records.

With your consent. We may share your information with other parties, such as a family member, another provider, or an insurance company, when you have given us written authorization to do so.

We do not share your information with advertisers or data brokers.


7. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technology to remember basic preferences and understand how visitors use the site. This information is not linked to your health records. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled.


8. Mobile App Permissions

The RIAJ mobile app may request permission to access your device camera and microphone to join telemedicine video visits, and to send push notifications for appointment reminders and updates. You can manage these permissions at any time through your device settings. Declining camera or microphone access will prevent you from joining video visits through the app.


9. Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information, including encrypted data storage, access controls limiting who at the clinic can view your records, and hosting through HIPAA-eligible infrastructure. No system can guarantee absolute security, and we encourage you to protect your own account credentials and device.

10. Data Retention

We retain your medical records for as long as required under applicable federal and North Carolina and Virginia state law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of record and your status as a patient. Contact us if you have specific questions about how long a particular record is retained.


11. Children's Privacy

RIAJ provides services to adult patients only. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under the age of 18 through this website or mobile app.


12. Contact Us

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

Margaret Bowen MD PLLC (Restoration is a Journey)

Phone: (336) 280-0595

Email: [email protected]

Our locations:

1. MARGARET BOWEN MD. Treatment Center North Carolina:

  • Reidsville, NC 1449 Freeway Drive, Unit F, Reidsville, NC 27320
  • High Point, NC 210 East Lexington Avenue, High Point, NC 27262

2. MARGARET BOWEN MD. Treatment Center Virginia:

  • Bassett, VA 255 Riverside Dr, Bassett, VA 24055

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, without fear of retaliation.


13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the website or mobile app after a change means you accept the updated Policy.