NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Introduction
At Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology, we are committed to treating and using protected health information about you responsibly. This Notice of Privacy Practices describes the personal information we collect and explains how and when we may use or disclose that information. It also explains your rights regarding your protected health information.
This Notice became effective on February 1, 2003, and applies to all protected health information as defined by federal regulations.
Understanding Your Health Record and Information
Each time you visit Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology, a record of your visit is created. This record may include:
- Your symptoms
- Examination findings
- Test results
- Diagnoses
- Treatment provided
- Plans for future care or treatment
Your health record serves several important purposes, including:
- Supporting the planning and delivery of your care and treatment
- Facilitating communication among healthcare professionals involved in your care
- Documenting the care and services you receive
- Supporting billing and payment verification
- Assisting in healthcare education and training
- Supporting medical research and public health initiatives
- Assisting with healthcare planning and quality improvement efforts
- Helping evaluate and improve patient outcomes and services
Understanding your health record and how your information is used can help you ensure its accuracy, understand who may access it, and make informed decisions regarding its disclosure.
Your Health Information Rights
Although your health record is the physical property of Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology, the information contained within it belongs to you.
You have the right to:
- Obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request
- Inspect and obtain copies of your health record, as permitted by applicable law
- Request amendments or corrections to your health record
- Receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information
- Request communications by alternative means or at alternative locations
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information
- Revoke a previously granted authorization, except where action has already been taken based on that authorization
These rights are subject to applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Our Responsibilities
Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology is required to:
- Maintain the privacy of your health information
- Provide you with this Notice describing our legal duties and privacy practices
- Abide by the terms of this Notice
- Notify you if we cannot agree to a requested restriction
- Accommodate reasonable requests for alternative methods of communication
We reserve the right to revise our privacy practices and make revised provisions effective for all protected health information we maintain. If our practices change, we may provide a revised notice by mail or email, if you have agreed to receive communications electronically.
We will not use or disclose your health information without your authorization except as described in this Notice or as otherwise permitted or required by law. If you revoke an authorization in writing, we will stop using or disclosing your information as permitted by law.
For More Information or to Report a Problem
If you have questions regarding this Notice or would like additional information, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology
Phone: (407) 354-0717
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
Treatment
We may use your health information to provide treatment and coordinate your care.
For example, information obtained by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care may be recorded in your medical record and used to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Members of your healthcare team may share information with one another to ensure effective and coordinated care.
We may also provide relevant information to physicians or other healthcare providers involved in your ongoing treatment.
Payment
We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services provided to you.
For example, information included on a bill may identify you and may include details regarding diagnoses, procedures, and services rendered. This information may be shared with insurance companies or other third-party payers.
Healthcare Operations
We may use your health information to support routine healthcare operations, including:
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Staff training and education
- Performance evaluations
- Risk management activities
- Operational planning and administration
These activities help us improve the quality and effectiveness of the healthcare services we provide.
Business Associates
Certain services are provided through contracts with business associates. Examples may include laboratory services, medical record copying services, billing services, and other healthcare support functions.
When necessary, we may share your health information with these business associates so they can perform services on our behalf. We require all business associates to appropriately safeguard your protected health information.
Notifications
We may use or disclose information to notify or assist in notifying:
- A family member
- A personal representative
- Another person responsible for your care
This may include information regarding your location, condition, or care status when appropriate.
Communication with Family Members and Friends
Using professional judgment, healthcare providers may disclose relevant health information to family members, relatives, close personal friends, or other individuals identified by you when such individuals are involved in your care or payment for your care.
Research
We may disclose health information to researchers when the research has been approved through appropriate review processes designed to protect your privacy and confidentiality.
Funeral Directors
We may disclose health information to funeral directors as permitted by applicable law to assist them in carrying out their responsibilities.
Organ and Tissue Donation
Consistent with applicable law, we may disclose health information to organizations involved in organ procurement, tissue banking, donation, or transplantation activities.
Appointment Reminders and Marketing Communications
We may contact you regarding:
- Appointment reminders
- Treatment alternatives
- Health-related products or services
- Other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you
Such communications will be conducted in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
We may disclose health information to the FDA regarding adverse events, product defects, recalls, repairs, replacements, or other activities related to the safety and effectiveness of regulated products.
Workers’ Compensation
We may disclose health information as authorized by and necessary to comply with workers’ compensation laws or similar programs established by law.
Public Health Activities
As required by law, we may disclose your health information to public health authorities or legal agencies responsible for preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability.
Law Enforcement
We may disclose health information to law enforcement officials when required by law or in response to a valid court order, subpoena, warrant, or other legal process.
Health Oversight and Whistleblower Protections
Federal law permits disclosure of health information to appropriate health oversight agencies, public health authorities, or attorneys when a workforce member or business associate reasonably believes that unlawful conduct, professional misconduct, or violations of clinical standards have occurred and may endanger patients, healthcare workers, or the public.
Updates to This Notice
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted on our website and will apply to all protected health information maintained by Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Last Updated: February 1, 2003
