Notice of Privacy Practices

For Treatment

We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care and related services. For example:

• Communicating with other healthcare providers about your treatment
• Referring you to specialists or other healthcare professionals
• Coordinating care between different healthcare providers
• Prescribing medications and discussing treatment options

For Payment

We may use and disclose your health information to bill and collect payment for services provided. For example:

• Submitting claims to your insurance company
• Verifying your insurance coverage and benefits
• Collecting payment for services rendered
• Responding to payment-related inquiries from insurers

For Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your health information for our healthcare operations, including:

• Quality assessment and improvement activities
• Conducting training programs for medical students and staff
• Compliance, auditing, and accreditation activities
• Business planning and development
• Customer service and appointment reminders

Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We may also use and disclose your health information without your authorization in the following situations:

• As Required by Law: When required by federal, state, or local law
• Public Health Activities: To prevent or control disease, injury, or disability
• Health Oversight Activities: To government agencies for audits, investigations, or inspections
• Judicial and Administrative Proceedings: In response to a court order or subpoena
• Law Enforcement: For law enforcement purposes as required by law
• To Avert Serious Threat: To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
• Workers' Compensation: For workers' compensation or similar programs
• Coroners and Funeral Directors: For identification or determining cause of death

Right to Inspect and Copy

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information, including medical and billing records. To request copies, submit a written request to our Privacy Officer. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing costs.

Right to Request Amendment

If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. Submit your request in writing to our Privacy Officer and provide the reason for your request. We may deny your request under certain circumstances.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information. Submit your request in writing to our Privacy Officer. The first accounting in any 12-month period is free; we may charge a reasonable fee for additional requests.

Right to Request Restrictions

You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We are not required to agree to your request, except in certain situations involving payment to health plans.

Right to Request Confidential Communications

You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health information by alternative means or at alternative locations. For example, you may request that we contact you only at work or via mail. We will accommodate reasonable requests.

Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice

You have the right to receive a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have previously agreed to receive it electronically. Contact our office to obtain a copy.

Right to Be Notified of a Breach

You have the right to be notified if your unsecured protected health information has been breached.