The confidentiality of your personal health information is very important to us. All information kept in your file is confidential and will not be released unless we obtain written consent to do so and/or it is stated by the law that we may release this information without your consent.
What we are allowed to do without your Consent:
Under federal and Ohio law, we are permitted to use and disclose personal health information without authorization for treatment, payment, and health care operations. [However, the American Psychiatric Association's Principles of Medical Ethics or state law may require us to obtain your express consent before we make certain disclosures of your personal health information.] [If relevant: Participants in this organized health care arrangement also share health information with each other, as necessary to carry out treatment, payment, or health care operations relating to the organized health care arrangement.]
Asking a nurse to assist with taking your temperature and to document the results. Supplying your insurance company with a diagnosis or other related health information that will assist payment for services rendered. Supplying the billing department with demographic and diagnostic information, etc.
Under Federal and Ohio State law, we are permitted to use and disclose personal health information without authorization, for treatment, payment, and health care operations. Note: If you are available, we will provide you an are unavailable because, for example, you are opportunity to object before disclosing any such information. If YOU incapacitated or because of some other emergency circumstance, we will use our professional judgment to determine what is in your best interest regarding any such disclosure. Instances where your consent is not needed. (examples)
- Abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
- Appointment reminders and other health related services (this would include leaving messages on answering machines, unless directed not to)
- Business Associates such as a Billing Company
- Communicable Disease Control
- Communications with family, only if they are the responsible party for your care and/or payment
- Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors
- Disaster relief or to assist in disaster relief efforts
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Judicial or Administrative Proceedings
- Law Enforcement
There are other instances where your PMI (Personal Medical Information) may be given out. But our office policy is to always try to get permission from you first before we disclose any such information.
In general our practice will only release actual medical information, such as a diagnosis, medications you have been prescribed. Length of treatment, etc.
Session notes that document diagnoses, medications prescribed and the content of our sessions will only be released upon your signing of a specific release of information allowing me to share that information with those you designate. This is mostly done via fax. Please advise if this is not acceptable.