Steven E. Stern M.D.P.A.

Notice of Privacy Practices

 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.

This notice takes effect on April 14, 2003 and remains in effect until we replace it.

The Federal Health Insurance and Portability Act of 1966 (HIPPA) contains information that provides you with greater control over how your medical information is used and disclosed. This includes your medical records, billing and insurance information, and any other information our office obtains from you.

Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentially of your Health information.

How we may use and disclose of your medical information without your authorization is listed in the following categories Not every disclosure will be listed.

FOR TREATMENT: We may use medical information about you to provide you with medical treatment or services I.e.. Blood work, x-rays or medical referrals. We may disclose medical information about you to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students or other people who are taking care of you. We may also share information to other health care providers to assist them in treating you.

FOR PAYMENT: We may use and disclose your medical information for payment purposes.

FOR HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS: We may use and disclose your medical information for our health care operations. This might include measuring and improving quality, evaluating the performance of employees, conducting training programs and getting the accreditation, certificates, licenses and credentials we need to serve you.

ADDITIONAL USES AND DISCLOSURES

1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information (example; preventing or controlling disease,)
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order (i.e. subpoena).
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official. Only if comes in the form of a court order I e Subpoena, warrant etc
4. 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. (Victims of abuse, neglect)
5. If you are a member of the 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. Funeral Directors, Coroners, Medical Examiners

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 your place of work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
2. You can request a restriction in our use of 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 cart or the payment of your care such as family members arid 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 patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. You must submit your request in writing to Steven E Stern M D P.A.
4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, as long as the information is kept by or for our practice. You may do so by submitting a request in writing to Steven E Stern M D P A. You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment.
5. RIGHT TO A PAPER COPY. You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practice. You may ask us to give you a copy of this notice at any time.  To obtain a copy of this notice, contact Steven E Stern M D P A.
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 Steven E Stern M. D. P A or Privacy Officer. 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 contact our Privacy Officer.