Privacy Policy

NOTICE OF PRIVACY POLICY

THIS PRIVACY NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW THE HEALTH INFORMATION COLLECTED ABOUT THE PATIENT MAY BE USED, DISCLOSED AND HOW THE PATIENT MAY OBTAIN ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.

THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO US.

OUR LEGAL DUTY

We are required to give patients notice of our privacy practices, rights concerning patient health information and our legal duties. By federal and state law we are required to maintain the privacy of our patients’ health information. All privacy practices described in this privacy policy must be followed while the notice is in effect. This privacy policy notice takes effect on December 26, 2018, and remains in effect until it is replaced.

We reserve the right to update and/or change our privacy policy, practices and terms at any time provided the changes are permitted by applicable law. We reserve the right to change the terms in our privacy practice effective for all health information that was received or created before the changes were made to the notice. Prior to any significant changes in our privacy policy, this notice will be updated, and the new notice will be available upon request.

Patients can request a copy of our privacy policy at any time. For additional information regarding our privacy policy or terms, or for additional copies of our privacy policy, please use the information listed at the end of this notice to contact us.

USES AND DISCLOSURES OF HEALTH INFORMATION

Our patients’ health information is used and disclosed for treatment, payment and healthcare operations. Examples include:

Treatment

Health information may be disclosed to another healthcare provider who is providing treatment for you.

Payment

Health information may be used or disclosed to obtain payment for the services which are provided to you.

Healthcare Operations

Health information may be used or disclosed in connection with healthcare operations. Healthcare operations may include: credentialing activities, licensing, certification, accreditation, conducting training programs, providing performance, evaluating practitioner and even reviewing the qualifications/competence of healthcare professionals.

Your Authorization

In addition to using health information for treatment, payment and healthcare operations, patient’s may also give written authorization to use or disclose health information for any other purpose. Authorizations may be revoked at any time once it has been given. Revocation will not affect any uses or disclosures permitted by your authorization during the time it was in effect. Unless a patient gives written authorization, we cannot disclose or use any health information for any reason except those described in this privacy notice.

Family and Friends

We must disclose your health information to you, which is described in the Patient Rights section of our privacy notice. Health information may be disclosed to a friend, family member, or another person if authorization is given.

Persons Involved in Care

Health information may be used or disclosed to notify or assist in the notification of a personal representative, family member, or another person responsible for your care, if your location, condition, or even death. If the patient is present, prior to use or disclosure, an opportunity to object of such uses or disclosures will be presented. If the patient is incapacitated or incapable of making a decision, professional judgment will be used to disclose only health information which is relevant to the patient’s health care.

Fundraising and Marketing

Health information will not be used for fundraising or marketing communications without a patient’s written permission. Patients have the right to opt out of having health information used. Our office must notify patients’ in the event there is a breach of any unsecured personal health information.

Required by Law

Health information may be used or disclosed when required to do so by federal or state law.

Abuse or Neglect

Health information may be disclosed to appropriate authorities in the event we believe you may be a victim of domestic violence, neglect, abuse or any other crime. Health information may be disclosed to the extent necessary to avert serious safety/health threats.

National Security

Health information of Armed Forces personnel may be disclosed to military authorities under certain circumstances. Health information may be disclosed to authorized federal officials for national security activities, counter-intelligence, and lawful intelligence. Health information may be disclosed to correctional institutions or law enforcement officials who have lawful custody of protected health information of a patient or inmate under certain circumstances.

Appointment Reminders

Health information may be used or disclosed to provide patients with appointment reminders (voicemail, text messages, email, letters, postcard, etc.).

PATIENT RIGHTS

Access

Patients have the right to obtain copies and look at their health information with limited expectations. Patients can request copies in a format other than photocopies. The format requested will be used unless it is not possible to do so. A written request must be made in order to obtain access to health information. The information listed at the end of our privacy policy can be used to request health information access. If photocopies are requested, the patient may be required to pay a charge for each page. If alternative formats are requested, the patient will be charged a cost-based fee for providing health information in such format. A summary of health information can also be prepared for a fee. Use the information listed at the end of the privacy notice for a full explanation of fee structure.

Disclosure Accounting

Patients have the right to receive a list of instances in which health information was disclosed for purposes other than treatment, payment, health operations or other activities, but not before December 26, 2018. If more than one request is made within a 12-month period, additional cost-based fees may be charged for these additional requests.

Restriction

Patients have the right to request that additional restrictions are placed on use or disclosure of health information. However, we are not required to agree to these additional restrictions. If we do agree, we will abide by the new agreement (except in emergency situations).

Alternative Communication

Patients have the right to request that we communicate about health information by alternative locations or means. Requests must be made by the patient in writing. The request must specify the alternative location or means, including a satisfactory explanation of how payments will be handled under the new request.

Electronic Communication

Potential security risks are involved when sending personal health information via email. Security and encryption measured should be discussed with our office. Email must be verified for electronic communication, and we assume no responsibility.

Healthcare Provider

We must agree to your request not to share personal health information with any insurance company or health plan when a patient is paying for a service or item out of pocket.

QUESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS

If you have any questions or would like additional information about our privacy practices, terms or policies, please contact us using the information below.

If you have a concern that your health information has been used in a way that has violated your privacy rights or disagree with a decision we made about access to your health information, please use the contact information below to complain. A written complaint may also be submitted with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The address to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be provided upon request.

We support our patients’ right to privacy of their health information. We will not retaliate in any way if a complaint is filed with our office or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.