HearMD Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
Our office has always strived to keep your health information secure and confidential. A new law requires us to continue maintaining your privacy, to give you this notice, and to follow the terms of the notice.
The law permits us to use or disclose your health information to those involved in your treatment. For example, a review of your file by a specialist doctor, who may be involved in your care.
We may use or disclose your health information for payment of your services. For example, we may send a report of your progress to your insurance company.
We may use or disclose your health information for our normal healthcare operations. For example, our staff will enter your information into our computer.
We may share your medical information with our business associates, such as a transcriptionist. We have a written contract with each business associate that requires them to protect your privacy.
We may use your information to contact you. For example, we may send you newsletters or other information. We may also call you and remind you about your appointments. If you are not home, we may leave this information on your answering machine or with the person who answers the telephone.
In an emergency, we may disclose your health information to a family member or another person responsible for your care.
We may release some or all of your health information when required by law.
Except as described above, this practice will not use or disclose your health information without your prior written authorization.
You may request in writing that we not use or disclose your health information as described above. We will let you know if we can fulfill your request.
You have the right to know of any uses or disclosure we make with your health information beyond the above normal uses.
As we will need to contact you from time to time, we will use whatever address or telephone number you prefer.
You have the right to transfer copies of your health information to another practice. We will mail your files for you.
You have the right to see and receive a copy of your health information, with a few exceptions. Give us a written request regarding the information you want to see. If you want a copy of your records, we may charge you a reasonable fee for the copies.
You have the right to request an amendment or change to your health information. Give us your request to make changes in writing. If you wish to include a statement in your file, please give it to us in writing. We may or may not make the changes you request, but will be happy to include your statement in your file. If we agree to an amendment or change, we will remove nor alter earlier documents, but will add new information.
You have recourse if you feel your privacy protections have been violated. You have the right to file a written complaint with our office, attention Linda Hernandez, HIPAA Compliance Officer
This notice takes effect on April 14, 2003
For more information about HIPAA or to file a complaint:
Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington D.C. 20201