This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how the Provider above may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment of health care operations, and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law.

It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health information that may identify you and that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition and related health care services.

Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information

Your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed by the Provider above and others outside of our office who are involved in your care and treatment for the purpose of providing health care services to you, paying your health care bills, supporting the operation of the practice, and any other use required by law.

Treatment

We will use and disclose your protected health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare with any related health services. This includes the coordination or management of your health care with a third party.

For example, we would disclose your PHI as necessary to a durable medical equipment company that provides care to you. Your protected health information may also be provided to a physician to whom you have been referred to ensure that the physician has the necessary information to diagnose or treat you.

Payment

Your PHI will be used, as needed, to obtain payment for your health care services.

For example, obtaining approval for an overnight sleep study may require that your relevant protected health information be disclosed to obtain approval or authorization.

Healthcare Operations

We may use or disclose your PHI, as necessary, to contact you to remind you of your appointment. We may also call you by name in the waiting room when your doctor is ready to see you.

Uses and Disclosures Required or Permitted by Law

We may use or disclose your PHI in certain situations without your authorization. These situations include:

• As required by law
• Public health issues as required by law
• Communicable diseases
• Abuse or neglect
• FDA requirements
• Legal proceedings
• Law enforcement
• Coroners
• Criminal activities
• Military activities and national security
• Workers’ compensation

Under the law, we must make disclosures when required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate or determine our compliance with the requirements of Section 164.500.

Other Uses and Disclosures

Other permitted and required uses and disclosures will be made only with your consent, authorization, or opportunity to object unless required by law.

You may revoke the authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent that your physician’s practice has taken action in reliance on the use or disclosure indicated in the authorization.