NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Dear Patient:  This notice describes how health information about you (as a patient of this practice) may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information.  This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Our commitment to your privacy:
               
Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of health information.  We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information.

We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:

Use and disclosure of your health information in certain special circumstances:

Your protected health information may be used and disclosed by your physician, our office staff and others outside of our office that are involved in your care and treatment for the purpose of providing health care services to you, to pay your health care bills, to support the operation of the physician’s practice.

The following circumstances may also require us to use of disclose your health information as required by law:

1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
4. When necessary to prevent or reduce a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public.  We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to prevent the threat.
5. If you are a member of the US or foreign military force (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are in inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
8. For Worker’s Compensation and similar programs.

Your rights regarding your health information:

1. Communications.  You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location.  For example, you may ask that we contact you at home rather than at work.  We will accommodate reasonable requests.
2. You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations.  Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosures of your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or payment for your care, such as family and/or friends.  We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.
3. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes.  You must submit your request in writing to the address above.               
4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for our practice.  To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing to:                 See Above                                                               
5. Right to a copy of this notice.  You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practice.  You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. 
6. Right to file a complaint.  If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.  Complaints to our office must be made in writing to:                                See Above