To
our clients. This notice describes how health information about you, as
a client of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can
get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy
Regulations created as a result of the Health Information 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 are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health
information.
We
realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with
the following important information.
Use
and disclosure of your health information in certain special circumstances.
The
following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health
information:
1.
Treatment: In order to provide you with the health care you require, the
practice will provide your health information to those health care professionals,
whether on the practice’s staff or not, directly involved in your
care so that they may understand your medical condition and needs.
2. Payment: In order to get paid for services provided to you, the practice
will provide your health information, directly or through a billing service,
to appropriate third party payors, pursuant to their billing and payment
requirements.
3. Health Care Operations: In order for the practice to operate in accordance
with applicable law and insurance requirements and in order for the practice
to continue to provide quality and efficient care, it may be necessary
for the Practice to compile, use and/or disclose your health information.
4. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are
authorized by law to collect information.
5. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative
order.
6. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
7. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health
and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public.
We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help
prevent the threat.
8. If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans)
and if required by the appropriate authorities.
9. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities
authorized by law.
10. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are
an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
11. For Workers Compensation and similar programs.
Your
rights regarding your health information
1.
Communication. 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 work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
2. You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health
information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally,
you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your
health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or
the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are
not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are
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 used to make decisions about you, including client medical
records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. You
must submit your request in writing to High Peaks Rehabilitation &
Development Center at 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205.
4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is
incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or
for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in
writing and submitted to High Peaks Rehabilitation & Development Center
at 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205. You must provide us with 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 of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you an additional
copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain an additional copy of this
notice, contact our front desk receptionist.
6. Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have
been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint
with our practice, contact High Peaks Rehabilitation & Development
Center at 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205. All complaints must be
submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
7. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. Our
practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures
that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.
If
you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information
privacy policies, please contact High Peaks Rehabilitation & Development
Center at 315-492-8319.