Nephrology of The Golden Isles Privacy Policies

Notice of Privacy Practices

To our patients: This notice describes how health information about you, as a patient of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This notice is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

Our commitment to your privacy: Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We also required by Federal law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information. Although these laws are complicated, all medical providers are required to provide you with the following important information;

The HIPAA law permits the use and disclosure of personally-identifiable health information as needed for diagnosis, treatment, or billing of health care services, provided that any such disclosure must be limited to the minimum necessary information to accomplish these purposes, and only to properly qualified persons. Special safeguards must be maintained to minimize any chance of inadvertent disclosure of personally-identifiable health information to unauthorized person, particularly of especially sensitive information such as psychological or HIV status. We are committed to maintaining the security and privacy of all information (including billing information) contained in my medical records, including electronic records and data transmission.

Use and disclosure of your health information in certain circumstances:

The following additional circumstances may also require us to disclose your health information;
1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect such information.
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
4. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety or another individual or the public. I will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.
5. If you are a member of U.S. or Foreign Military Forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
8. For Workers Compensation and similar programs.
9. In order to advert a serious threat to the health and safety of you or any other person pursuant to applicable law.

Your rights regarding your health information:

1. Communications. You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than at work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
2. You can request a restriction in my use of disclosure of your health information treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that I restrict my disclosure of your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care of payment for your care, such as family members and friends as provided by 45CFR § 164.522. I am not required to agree to your request; however, if I do agree, I am bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.
3. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health information that may be use to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes as outlined in 45CFR § 164.524. You must submit your request in writing to the office of Nephrology of the Golden Isles.
4. You may ask to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for my practice as provided for in 45CFR § 164.526. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to Nephrology of the Golden Isles. You must provide a reason that supports your request for amendment.
5. Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of this notice, contact the receptionist.
6. Accounting of disclosures. You have a right to receive an accounting of all disclosures made of your health information as provided by 45CFR § 164.526.
7. Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with my practice or with the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our office, contact the practice manager. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
8. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. My practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.
9. If you have any questions regarding this notice or my health information privacy policies, please contact the practice manager at Nephrology of the Golden Isles.

Updated 12/2022