This notice explains how your medical information may be used or disclosed and how you can access it. Please read it carefully.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a federal law that requires the strict confidentiality of your personal health information. This encompasses all medical and dental information shared or used by us, whether electronic, written, or verbal. HIPAA grants you significant rights to understand and control how your health information is used. It also imposes penalties for the misuse of Protected Health Information (PHI).

PHI includes any information about you, including demographic data, that can identify you and your past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions, as well as related healthcare services. This Privacy Policy explains how we may use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or other purposes permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your PHI.

Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information

Your PHI may be used or disclosed by our physicians, office staff, or others involved in your care and treatment for providing healthcare services, processing healthcare payments, supporting practice operations, or any other lawful purposes. SMS consent will not be shared with any third parties nor the phone numbers for the purpose of SMS.

Treatment: We will use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. This may involve sharing your information with third parties, such as a physician to whom you have been referred, to ensure they have the necessary information to diagnose or treat you.

Healthcare Operations: We may use or disclose your PHI to support our business activities, including quality assessments, employee reviews, and other business functions. We may use a sign-in sheet at the registration desk where you sign your name and indicate your physician. We may call you by name in the reception area when your physician is ready to see you. We may contact you to remind you of appointments via phone or mail. Please inform us if you prefer to be contacted at another phone number or location.

Legal and Public Health Disclosures: We may use or disclose your PHI without your authorization in the following situations:

  • Public health issues
  • Communicable diseases
  • Health oversight
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Food and Drug Administration requirements
  • Legal proceedings
  • Law enforcement
  • Coroners, funeral directors, and organ donation
  • Medical research
  • Criminal activity; prison inmates
  • Military activity and national security
  • Workers’ Compensation

Required Uses and Disclosures: We are required by law to disclose your information when investigated by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to determine our compliance with HIPAA. Other permitted and required uses and disclosures will be made only with your consent, authorization, or opportunity to object unless required by law. You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent that your physician or the practice has already taken action based on your authorization.

Payment: Your PHI will be used as necessary to obtain payment for healthcare services. For instance, obtaining approval for a hospital stay may require disclosing relevant PHI to your health insurance plan.

Your Rights

  • Access and Copies: You have the right to inspect and copy your PHI. However, federal law prohibits you from inspecting or copying certain records, such as:
  • Psychotherapy notes
  • Information compiled in reasonable anticipation of or use in civil, criminal, or administrative actions or proceedings

PHI that is subject to laws prohibiting access
Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your health information. You can ask us not to use or disclose any part of your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You may also request that any part of your PHI not be disclosed to family members or friends involved in your care. Your request must specify the restriction and to whom it applies.

Confidential Communications: You have the right to request to receive confidential communications from us by alternative means or at alternative locations.

Amendments: You have the right to request amendments to your PHI. If we deny your request, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement, and we may prepare a rebuttal to your statement, providing you with a copy of any rebuttal.

Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI.

Policy Changes: We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and will inform you of any changes. You have the right to object or withdraw as provided in this Notice.

Complaints

You can file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. You can file a complaint by notifying our privacy officer at our office and main telephone number. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us.