Our Commitment to Your Privacy

 

We respect that your health information is personal, and we are dedicated to keeping it secure. By law, we are required to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI), inform you about our privacy practices, and notify you in the unlikely event of a data breach. Any use or disclosure of your PHI will follow the guidelines in this Notice, or the version in effect at the time of disclosure.

 

Permissible Uses and Disclosures Without Your Consent

 

In certain situations, we can use or share your PHI without your written authorization:

 

• Treatment: Your PHI may be shared among healthcare providers to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. We may also contact you with appointment reminders, treatment suggestions, or health-related information.
• Payment: PHI may be used to bill and collect payment for healthcare services from insurers, government programs, or other payors. This may include sharing information with other providers as necessary to process claims.
• Healthcare Operations: PHI may be used to manage operations, evaluate staff performance, improve care quality, or maintain accreditation and licensing. This also includes sharing information with business associates who support these operations.
• Health Information Exchanges (HIEs): Your PHI may be shared with other participating providers to improve care coordination and treatment decisions. You may opt out of HIE participation at any time by submitting a written request.
• Family, Friends, and Caregivers: PHI may be shared with those involved in your care, provided you are present or we can reasonably infer your agreement. Only relevant information will be disclosed.
• Required by Law: We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local laws.
• Public Health and Safety: PHI may be shared with public health authorities for disease control, workplace safety, or to prevent serious health threats.
• Other Situations: PHI may be disclosed for judicial proceedings, law enforcement requests, organ or tissue donation, research (with proper authorization or de-identified), military or government functions, and workers’ compensation purposes.
• Appointment Reminders: PHI may be used to remind you about upcoming appointments.

 

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

 

We will obtain your written authorization before using your PHI for marketing purposes, the sale of PHI, or for sharing highly confidential information (such as HIV/AIDS status, substance abuse treatment, or genetic information) that is protected under federal or state law. You may revoke any authorization at any time, except to the extent action has already been taken in reliance on it.

 

Your Rights

 

You have rights regarding your PHI, including:

• Requesting restrictions on certain uses or disclosures.
• Receiving communications through alternative methods or locations.
• Accessing and obtaining copies of your records.
• Requesting corrections or amendments to your records.
• Requesting an accounting of disclosures.
• Revoking prior authorizations
• Receiving a paper copy of this Notice, even if you agreed to electronic delivery.

 

Effective Date and Changes to This Notice

 

This Notice is effective as of 01/01/2024. We may update this Notice at any time. Revised versions will apply to all PHI we maintain, including past records, and will be posted in our office and on our website. You may also request a copy directly from our Privacy Office.

 

Contact Information

 

For questions, further information, or to exercise your rights, please contact our Privacy Office. We will not retaliate against you for exercising your privacy rights or filing a complaint.