Notice of Privacy Practices
Introduction
This Notice describes how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully, as the privacy of your health information is important to us.
Our Legal Duty
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information. This Notice explains our privacy practices, legal duties, and your rights concerning your health information. We must follow the privacy practices described in this Notice while it is in effect. This Notice takes effect April 14, 2003, and will remain in effect until replaced. We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this Notice at any time, provided such changes are permitted by law. Before making significant changes, we will update this Notice and make it available upon request.
Uses and Disclosures of Health Information
We use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Treatment includes providing, coordinating, or managing healthcare services. Payment includes activities to obtain payment for services. Healthcare operations include quality assessment, reviewing practitioner performance, conducting training programs, and other activities.
Your Authorization
You may give us written authorization to use or disclose your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time, but this will not affect prior uses or disclosures permitted by the authorization.
To Your Family and Friends
We may disclose your health information to a family member, friend, or other person to help with your healthcare or payment, but only if you agree.
Persons Involved In Care
We may disclose health information to notify a family member or another person responsible for your care of your location, general condition, or death. We will disclose only health information relevant to their involvement in your healthcare.
Marketing Health-Related Services
We will not use your health information for marketing communications without your written authorization.
Required by Law
We may use or disclose your health information when required by law.
Abuse or Neglect
We may disclose your health information to authorities if we believe you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
National Security
We may disclose your health information to military authorities under certain circumstances and to authorized federal officials for national security activities.
Appointment Reminders
We may use or disclose your health information to provide you with appointment reminders.
Patient Rights
You have the right to access your health information, request restrictions on its use, request alternative communication methods, request amendments to your information, and receive a disclosure accounting.
Questions and Complaints
If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us. If you believe we have violated your privacy rights, you may file a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
For more information about our privacy practices or to request a copy of this Notice, please contact us at [contact information].
This Notice is effective April 14, 2003, and may be updated periodically.
