NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

As prescribed by law we are required to give every patient a notice of privacy practices. This notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

We are taking the new Federal (HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws written to protect the confidentiality of your health information seriously.

We want you to know your health information will not be shared with anyone who does not require it. Our office is subject to State and Federal law regarding the confidentiality of your health information. We will use and communicate your health information only for the purposes of providing your treatment, obtaining payment and conducting health care operations. Your health information will not be used for other purposes unless we have asked for and been voluntarily given your written permission.

Your health information will be used to provide treatment. We may share your health information with referring physicians, clinical and pathology laboratories, or other health care personnel providing your treatment.

Your health information will be used to obtain payment. We may include your health information with a claim used to collect payment for treatment you receive in our clinic. This may be done with insurance forms mailed or sent electronically.

Your health information may be used to conduct health care operations. Health information may be disclosed among associates and clinical employees. It is possible that health information will be disclosed during audits by insurance companies or government appointed agencies.

We could be required to disclose to Federal officials or military authorities health information necessary to complete an investigation related to public health or national security.

Your health information may be shared with those you tell us will be helping you with your home hygiene, treatment, or payment. We will be sure to ask your permission first.

Unless stated above or where Local, State or Federal law requires us, we will not disclose your health information other than with your written authorization.

You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information.

You have the right to read, review, and copy your health information, including your complete chart, x-rays and billing records. We may need to charge you a reasonable fee to duplicate and assemble your copy.

You have the right to ask us to update or modify your records if you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete.  We may deny your request if the records containing your health information are determined to be accurate and complete.

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide to you this notice. We do reserve the right to change the terms of this notice. If we do change our privacy policy we will be sure all our patients are notified.

If you believe your privacy rights are compromised. You have the right to express complaints to us or to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to

200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting https://www.hhs.gov/hippa/filing-a-complaint/indexhtml.

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.