PRIVACY POLICY

This detailed Privacy Notice is designed to inform you comprehensively about our practices related to the handling of your health information, including its use, disclosure, and how you can access and control it. This document is crucial for understanding your rights and our obligations regarding your personal health data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other relevant legislation. We take the responsibility to protect your health information seriously and are committed to following the stipulations outlined in this Notice. It’s important to note that within this document, the term “patient” and “member” may be used interchangeably.

 

Purpose and Use of Your Health Information Without Your Immediate Consent

Our primary uses of your health information include, but are not limited to, treatment, payment, and health care operations:

  • For Treatment: We might use your information to schedule medical appointments, prescribe medications, refer you to specialists, or obtain previous health records from other professionals to coordinate your care better.
  • For Payment: Your health information can be used to process payments, bill for health care services provided, or undertake collection activities for unpaid bills through agencies or attorneys if necessary.
  • For Health Care Operations: This encompasses a wide range of administrative and managerial functions necessary for our health care practice’s smooth operation. It includes conducting financial audits, participating in quality assurance programs, making personnel decisions, and storing patient records securely.

Situations Permitting Use or Disclosure Without Your Authorization

Certain circumstances may necessitate the use or disclosure of your health information without your consent or prior authorization, in compliance with state or federal laws. These instances include but are not limited to:

  • Legal Requirements: When specific health information is required by state or federal law for a particular purpose.
  • Public Health and Safety: For purposes like disease control and prevention, reporting to the Food and Drug Administration, or disclosures concerning victims of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
  • Health Oversight: For activities such as audits, investigations, licensure, or disciplinary actions.
  • Judicial and Legal Proceedings: In response to court orders, legal proceedings, or law enforcement requests. Research: Under certain conditions, for health-related research purposes. To Avert a Serious Threat: To health or safety by disclosing to persons who can prevent or lessen the threat.
  • Specialized Government Functions: Such as military and veteran activities, national security, and intelligence activities.
  • Worker’s Compensation: As authorized by laws relating to worker’s compensation or similar programs.

Your Explicit Authorization Required

For specific types of disclosures, your explicit authorization is required. This includes:

  • Marketing Activities: Any use of your health information for marketing must have your authorization unless it’s for face-to-face communication or involves promotional gifts of nominal value.
  • Sale of Information: We do not sell your health information, and we would seek your authorization if we were to consider such action.
  • Psychotherapy Notes: We must obtain your authorization to use or disclose psychotherapy notes, if any exist.

Your Rights Regarding Health Information

You have several rights concerning the confidentiality and control of your health information. These rights include:

  • To Request Restrictions: You may ask us to limit how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. We are not obligated to agree to these requests but will consider them carefully.
  • Confidential Communications: You have the right to request communications through alternative means or at alternative locations. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
  • Access and Copies: You can request access to or copies of your health information. We may charge a fee for the costs of copying, mailing, or other supplies associated with your request.
  • Amendments: If you believe that your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you can request an amendment. We may deny the request under certain conditions.
  • Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information made by us.

Authorization for Other Uses

Any other uses or disclosures of your health information not covered by this Notice or the laws that apply to us will require your written authorization. You have the right to revoke such authorization at any time, except to the extent that we have taken action relying on the authorization.

 

Implementing Restrictions and Revoking Authorization

You have the option to pay out-of-pocket in full for a health care item or service and request that we do not disclose information about this item or service to your health plan. You also have the right to revoke any previously granted authorization, in writing, at any time.

To Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of your rights, such as requesting restrictions, amendments, or an accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to the specified address.

 

This detailed overview is provided to ensure you are fully informed about your rights and our practices regarding your health information. We encourage you to read this document carefully and reach out with any questions or concerns.

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