Privacy Policy

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Consent and Privacy Policy: 

This Consent and Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal health information. We are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI) in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

HIPAA Compliance Statement:

We are a HIPAA-covered entity and adhere to all requirements under HIPAA and its implementing regulations. This includes:

1. Maintaining appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI.
2. Implementing policies and procedures to prevent, detect, contain, and correct security violations.
3. Conducting regular risk assessments and security reviews.
4. Providing training to all staff members on privacy and security practices.
5. Limiting access to PHI to only those who need it to perform their job functions.

We hereby confirm our commitment to protecting your health information in accordance with HIPAA standards and will maintain these protections for all PHI that we create, receive, maintain, or transmit.

Information we Collect:

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide you with healthcare services, including but not limited to:

• Personal identifiers (name, address, date of birth, contact information)
• Insurance and billing information
• Medical history and condition information
• Healthcare services provided to you
• Payment information for healthcare services

How we use this Information:

We may use your information for:

• Providing and coordinating your healthcare treatment
• Billing and payment purposes
• Healthcare operations and administrative functions
• Appointment reminders and health-related communications
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Access to Prior Medical Records: 

In order to provide you with the best possible care, we may need to obtain your prior medical records from other healthcare providers. We will only request and access your prior medical records with your explicit permission.

If we determine that access to your prior medical records is necessary for your care:

1. We will notify you of this need and request your permission.
2. You will be asked to complete a separate Medical Records Release Authorization form.
3. This form will specify which records are being requested and from which providers.
4. You have the right to limit the scope of records released or to deny the request entirely.

No prior medical records will be requested or accessed without your signed authorization.

Sharing of Information: 

We may share your information with:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Your health insurance company for billing purposes
• Business associates who provide services on our behalf (with appropriate safeguards)
• Public health and safety authorities as required or permitted by law

We will not sell your information or use it for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

Your Rights:

Under HIPAA, you have the following rights regarding your health information:

• Right to access and receive copies of your health records
• Right to request corrections to your health information
• Right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
• Right to request confidential communications
• Right to receive an accounting of disclosures of your information
• Right to receive a paper copy of this notice

Changes to This Policy:

We reserve the right to change this policy at any time. Any changes will apply to information we already have, as well as information we receive in the future. We will post the new policy on our website and in our office. You may request a copy of the current policy at any time.