NOTICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES
THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO US. THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION IS USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU MAY ACCESS THIS INFORMATION
We are required by federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your health information. We are also required to give you this notice about our privacy practices, our legal duties and your rights concerning your health information. This notice takes effect on 4/14/03, and will remain in effect until it is replaced.
USES AND DISCLOSURES OF HEALTH INFORMATION OUR LEGAL DUTY
1. The Practice may use and disclose protected health information for treatment, payment, educational, research and healthcare operations. Treatment examples of these include, but are not limited to, referral to other providers for treatment. Payment examples include, but are not limited to, insurance companies for claims including coordination of benefits with other insurers and collection agencies. Healthcare operations examples include, but are not limited to,
internal quality control including auditing of records.
2. The Practice will not make use or disclose protected health information without the individual’s written or verbal consent or authorization. Such authorization may be revoked at any time. Revocation must be in writing. Two exceptions to this would include public health requirements and court
orders.
3. The Practice reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and make new provisions effective for all the protected health information it
maintains. The Practice will provide each patient with a copy of any revisions of this notice at the time of their next visit, or at the last known address. A copy can be obtained at the office at any time during business hours.
4. Any patient, guardian or personal representative has the right to:
a. Object to the use of their health information for directory purposes
b. Inspect and obtain copies of their orthodontic record
c. Request amendments be made to their orthodontic record
d. Request a six-year accounting of all disclosures of their orthodontic record. The history will be provided within 60 days and a reasonable charge may be assessed.
e. Request restrictions to how their information may be used or disclosed. The Practice is not required to agree to these restrictions, but if The Practice does agree, it must comply.
5. Any person or patient may file a complaint to The Practice and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. To file a complaint with The Practice, please contact the Privacy Officer at the regular office address or phone number. All complaints will be addressed and the results will be reported to the privacy officer. It is the policy of The Practice that no retaliatory action will be made against any individual who submits a complaint of suspected or actual non-compliance of the privacy standards.
6. The practice will consider the implied consent for release of information if a patient is accompanied by another party.