Privacy Notice
NOTICE OF USE OF PRIVATE HEALTH INFORMATION
FOR YOUR PROTECTION THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
We understand that information we collect about you and your health is personal. Keeping your health information private is one of our most important responsibilities. We are committed to protecting your health information and following all laws regarding the use of your health information. The law says:
- We must keep your health care information from others who do not need to know it.
- You may ask that we not share certain healthcare information. (In some instances, we may not be able to agree with your request.)
Your private health information may be used by healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, therapist and social workers who take care of you. They may need your private health care information in order to determine your plan of care. This may cover health care services you had before now, or service you may have in the future.
We may share health information about you in order to help you get services you may need. We may also use your information to contact you about appointment reminders or tell you about your treatment
NWFA is an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies. We do not bill insurance directly nor will we send your private health information to a 3rd party insurance company. Payment is due at the time of a visit.
You may see your health information, unless it is the private notes taken by a mental health provider or it is a part of a legal case. Most of the time you can receive a copy if you ask. You may be charged a small fee for the copying costs.
If you think some of the information is wrong, you may ask in writing that it be changed or new information added. You may ask that the changes or new information be sent to others that have received your health information from us. You may ask for a list of any places where your health information may have been sent, unless it was sent for treatment, for payment, for checking to make sure you receive quality care or to make sure the laws are being followed.
You may be asked to sign a separate form called an "authorization" form, allowing your health care information to be sent somewhere else if:
- Your health care provider needs to send it to other places;
- You want us to send it to another health care provider; or
- You want it sent to another person for you.
The authorization form tells us what, where and to whom the information must be sent. Your authorization is good for six (6) months or until the date you put on the form. You can cancel or limit the amount of information sent at any time by letting us know in writing.
NOTE: If you are less than 18 years of age, your parents or guardians will receive your private health care information, unless by law you are able to consent for your own health care treatment. If you are, then your private health information will not be shared with parents or guardians unless you sign an authorization form. You may ask to have your health information sent to a different person that is helping you with your health care.
When private health information is released without authorization, it is normally used to support treatment or payment of medical situations or it may be released for the use of health care operations, which include any of the following activities:
(a) quality assessment and improvement activities, including case management or care coordination.
(b) competency assurance activities, including provider or health plan performance evaluation, credentialing and accreditation.
(c) conducting or arranging for medical reviews, audits, or legal services.
(d) business management and general administrative activities of the entity, including but not limited to: de-identifying protected health information or creating a limited data set.
This notice is yours. If we change anything in this notice, you will receive a new notice. You can obtain additional copies of this notice by calling our office at 503.243.2699. You can also view and print this notice by visiting our web site at: www.nwfootankle.com.
If you have medical insurance, you may receive other privacy notices. The policies and procedures contained in this notice are only for Northwest Foot & Ankle, but adhering to The Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information ("Privacy Rule") established by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
If you have questions about this notice, or you think we have not protected your private health information and you wish to file a complaint, please contact:
Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 509 F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201-0004 1-800-368-1019
Absolutely not. It is against the law for us to take any retaliatory or other negative action if you file a complaint.
Effective Date: April 14, 2003 - current