HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Since 1996 certain laws have been enforced regarding medical record privacy (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or HIPAA. Under the law, we are now required to notify you of this, so here is a short version of these regulations for your convenience. The full seven page privacy notice is available here for you to read and you can ask for your own copy.
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes the ways we are allowed by law to use your protected health information (medical records) or PHI to carry out treatment, payment, and other health care operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes our rights to access and control your PHI. We are required to abide by these privacy rules.
According to privacy laws, your physician will use your PHI as he or she has always done for treatment, payment, or other health care operations. In addition we may also disclose your PHI from time to time to other physicians or health care providers who become involved in taking care of you. Your PHI will be used, as needed in order for us to obtain payment for our services. Front desk sign in sheets will be used where you will be asked to sign your name and we will call you by name in the waiting room when the doctor is ready to see you. We may also use your PHI when necessary to contact you concerning your appointment. We will share your PHI with business associates who perform services for us. This could include billing services or transcribing services. They are also required to maintain confidentiality.
Your PHI could be used to provide you with information about treatment alternatives or other health related benefits and services that may be of interest to you. Other uses or disclosures will be made only with your written authorization, unless otherwise allowed or required by law. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing.
Unless you object, we may reveal (with your signed consent ) to a member of your family, close friend, or other person you choose, parts of your PHI that related to that person’s involvement in your health care. If you are unable to agree or object to this , as in an emergency, your physician will try to obtain your consent as soon as possible. Your PHI may be disclosed to public health agencies or law enforcement as needed to protect you or others. Your PHI may be disclosed by us in order to comply with workman’s compensation laws. If you are an inmate, we may disclose necessary information to the staff of the institution.
You have the right to inspect and copy your PHI except for certain legal limitations. You may ask us not to disclose your PHI for purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations, as well as family members. This must be specific in writing. However, your doctor is not required to agree to such restrictions if he or she believes it is not in your best interest. You may ask your PHI to be amended. You also have the right to know to whom we have revealed your information if it is other than your treatment, payment, or health care operations.
When purchasing or interacting with Medical Weight Loss Centers of America, you have read and agree to the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.