Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: January 2025

This notice explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access it. Please review it carefully.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 requires that all health records and personal medical information (Protected Health Information, or PHI) remain confidential. This applies to information shared electronically, on paper, or verbally. HIPAA also gives you important rights regarding how your health information is used and shared.

We are committed to maintaining your privacy and will only use or disclose your information in accordance with HIPAA regulations. If we misuse your information, penalties may apply.

How We Use and Disclose Your Information

Without your specific written permission, we are allowed to use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI)for the following purposes:

Treatment: Coordinating or managing your care with other healthcare providers (e.g., psychotherapy sessions).
Payment: Activities such as billing, confirming insurance coverage, and collecting payment for services.
Health Care Operations: Administrative tasks like quality assessments, audits, and customer service improvements.

Additionally, we may use your PHI to:

Remind you of appointments via phone or mail.
Provide information about treatment options or health-related services.
Comply with legal requirements, including disclosures to public health authorities, law enforcement, or as ordered by a court.
Prevent or reduce a serious threat to your health, the health of another person, or public safety.
Identify a deceased individual or determine the cause of death (for medical examiners or coroners).

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI (though we are not required to agree).
Request confidential communications via alternative means or locations.
Request amendments to your PHI if you believe there is an error.
Receive a paper copy of this notice upon request.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Notice of Privacy Practices. Any changes will be posted on the effective date, and you may request a copy of the revised notice at any time.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint:

With our office: Contact our Privacy Officer
With the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Civil Rights:
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

For more information about HIPAA and your rights, visit: www.hhs.gov/hipaa.