Our Legal Responsibilities
We are legally obligated to provide you with this notice, which outlines how we may use and disclose your protected health information, as well as details your rights and our duties concerning your information. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of your health information and will keep you informed of our legal duties and privacy practices accordingly.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. In the event of a policy change, we will promptly notify you. The revised policy will apply to all current and past health information we hold.
How We May Use or Disclose Your Protected Health Information
The following sections describe different ways we may use or disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and other purposes permitted by law. Note that not every possible use or disclosure is listed.
Treatment:
We may use and disclose your protected health information to facilitate your treatment. This includes sharing your information with other healthcare providers, medical staff, and office personnel involved in your care, such as consulting with another provider or coordinating your care with pharmacies for prescription refills.
Payment:
We may use your protected health information to secure payment from insurance companies or other third parties, including providing necessary information for medication pre-authorizations.
Healthcare Operations:
Your protected health information may be used or disclosed to manage and operate our medical practice effectively. This encompasses activities such as training students, case reviews, quality improvement initiatives, and appointment reminders via phone, email, or text.
We may share your protected health information with third-party "business associates," such as billing services, under a contract that safeguards your information. We may also use your information for marketing activities, like sending you promotional materials for services or products that might interest you. You can opt out of receiving such information at any time.
We will not use or disclose your protected health information for purposes other than those outlined in this policy without your explicit written consent. You may revoke this consent at any time, although it will not affect any previous disclosures made while the authorization was valid.
Appointment Reminders:
We may contact you to remind you of upcoming appointments, including initial visits, follow-up visits, or lab work, through various communication channels.
Involvement in Your Healthcare:
We may share your protected health information with family members or friends involved in your care, given your verbal agreement or if you do not object to such disclosures. In emergency situations, we may disclose information if deemed in your best interest.
Research:
We will not use or disclose your health information for research purposes without your explicit authorization.
Organ Donation:
If you are an organ donor, we may release necessary information to facilitate the organ procurement or transplantation process.
Public Health Risks:
We may disclose your information to prevent or control diseases, report adverse events, or prevent injuries and disabilities, complying with the necessary legal requirements.
Health Oversight Activities:
We may disclose your information to health oversight agencies for audits, investigations, inspections, or licensing purposes, as required by law.
Legal Requirements:
We will disclose your information when mandated by federal, state, or local laws.
Workers' Compensation:
We may disclose your information for workers' compensation or similar programs.
Legal Proceedings:
We may disclose your information in response to court or administrative orders or subpoenas.
Law Enforcement:
We may release your information to law enforcement officials in compliance with legal requirements.
Your Rights Regarding Your Protected Health Information
Access to Medical Records:
You have the right to access and obtain copies of your protected health information used in your care decisions. To request access, please submit a written request to the contact mentioned at the end of this policy. A reasonable fee may be charged for this service.
Amendment:
If you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment by submitting a written request explaining the reason for the amendment. We may deny your request under certain circumstances, providing a written explanation for the denial.
Accounting of Disclosures:
You have the right to receive a list of instances where we disclosed your health information, except for disclosures made for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, or those made with your authorization. Submit a written request to the contact mentioned at the end of this policy to receive this accounting, which will cover a period up to three years prior to the request date. A reasonable fee ($10) may apply.
Restriction Requests:
You may request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. Submit a written request to the contact mentioned at the end of this policy to request such restrictions.
Confidential Communication:
You have the right to request confidential communications regarding your healthcare matters. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Paper Copy of This Notice:
You may request a hard copy of this policy if you initially reviewed it electronically. Contact the individual mentioned at the end of this policy to obtain a copy.
Complaints:
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will provide the necessary contact information upon request.
For any requests or concerns regarding this privacy policy, please contact the privacy officer at North Shore Integrated Medicine through the designated channels available on our website or at our office.