HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
INTENTION
This Privacy Notification is presented to you in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") requirement. We urge you to carefully review this document, as it outlines how we might utilize and divulge your protected health information (PHI) for treatment, payment, and other lawful purposes. It also outlines your entitlements concerning accessing and regulating you PHI. PHI encompasses information that identifies you, including demographics, and pertains to your historical, existing, or forthcoming physical well-being and associated healthcare services, or financial transactions for healthcare services.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Safeguarding your health information is a paramount commitment. We are legally bound to uphold the privacy of PHI that identifies you, to furnish you with this notice regarding our legal responsibilities and privacy protocols for your PHI, to adhere to the existing notice conditions, and to notify you in the event of a PHI breach. Adhering to the terms of this HIPAA Privacy Notice is mandatory. We acknowledge that your medical information is a personal matter.
We have partnered with an optical lab that adheres to the highest standards of patient care and workmanship to ensure that our customers receive the best in products and services, with special attention being given to details and customer care.
YOUR RIGHTS
While conducting our activities, we will generate records concerning you and the services we offer. Even though your health record is the physical property of the healthcare practitioner or establishment responsible for its compilation, the content pertains to you and is thus your possession. As such, you possess the rights to:
• Rectify inaccuracies in your paper or electronic medical records.
• Request discreet communication.
• Request limitations on information sharing.
• Obtain a list of parties with whom we've shared your information.
• Acquire a copy of this privacy notice.
• Designate a representative on your behalf.
• Register a grievance if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
MODIFICATION TO HIPAA PRIVACY NOTICE
The conditions outlined herein pertain to all records that contain your PHI, formulated or retained by our practice. We retain the prerogative to revise or alter the terms of this HIPAA Privacy Notice. Any amendments will encompass all your records we have previously generated or upheld, as well as future records. Upon revising this notice, we will display a copy in a visible spot within our premises. At your behest, you may acquire the most recent Notice. Our updated Privacy Practices will also be available on our website.
UTILIZATION AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
The ensuing sections delineate the diverse methods through which we might employ and unveil your PHI without necessitating your authorization. Each employment or revelation class is followed by an explanation and illustrative instances. Not every utilization or disclosure within a category is enumerated.
Payment: To facilitate billing and payment collection for services and goods rendered, we may use and unveil your PHI. For instance, we might contact your optometrist to verify information relating to collection of payments.
Healthcare Operations: Your PHI may be used to manage our operations, including making and customizing eyewear for you, assessing the quality of care our company provided, or for business planning purposes.
Related Services: We may disclose your PHI to apprise you of relevant benefits or services.
Personal Representatives: A person serving as your authorized representative, as recognized by law, may access your PHI. In the case of death, a legally authorized individual can act as your representative. Minors might possess rights under state laws related to consent.
Business Associates: Some health data may be shared with contract partners aiding our healthcare provision. They are obligated to uphold similar standards.
Other Permissible Disclosures: Instances in which we may reveal your PHI without consent include:
Disclosures Required By Law: We will use and disclose your PHI when we are required to do so by federal, state or local law.
Public Health Risks: Our business is required by law to disclose PHI to public health and/or legal authorities, as required by law.
Abuse and Neglect: We may disclose your PHI to a public health authority that is authorized by law to receive reports of abuse or neglect. In addition, we may disclose your PHI to a governmental authority or agency authorized to receive such information, if we believe that you have been a victim of abuse, neglect or domestic violence to the governmental entity or agency authorized to receive such information. In this case, the disclosure will be made consistent with the requirements of applicable federal and state laws.
FILING A COMPLAINT FOR PRIVACY VIOLATIONS
If you suspect your rights have been infringed upon, you hold the prerogative to file a complaint. This can be done by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/. Rest assured, no reprisals will be taken against you for filing a complaint.
