Effective Date: January 1, 2025
This Notice describes how your medical information may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully. Your privacy is important to us.
1. Our Legal Duty
We are required by federal and state law to protect the privacy of your protected health information (PHI), to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and to notify you if a breach occurs that compromises the privacy or security of your information. We must follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
2. Your Protected Health Information
PHI includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, treatment, or payment for services. This includes demographic information, clinical notes, billing information, and records of appointments.
3. How We May Use and Disclose Your Information Without Your Written Permission
We may use and disclose your PHI for the following purposes:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare. For example, we may discuss your care with another provider involved in your treatment.
Payment
To obtain payment for services. For example, we may send billing information to your insurance company.
Healthcare Operations
To maintain the quality and efficiency of our practice. For example, we may use PHI for staff training, audits, and administrative planning.
As Required by Law
We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law.
Public Health and Safety
We may disclose PHI to prevent or report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence; to avert a serious threat to health or safety; or as required for public health activities.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
We may disclose PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or other lawful process.
Health Oversight Activities
We may disclose PHI to government agencies responsible for oversight of the healthcare system or regulatory compliance.
Law Enforcement
Information may be provided to law enforcement officials in certain legally defined situations.
Coroners and Medical Examiners
PHI may be disclosed to identify a deceased person or determine cause of death.
Specialized Government Functions
Certain disclosures may be required for military personnel, national security, or correctional institutions.
4. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will not use or disclose your PHI without your written permission for purposes other than those listed above. This includes:
- Psychotherapy notes (except as permitted by law)
- Marketing communications
- Sale of PHI
- Most disclosures of substance use disorder treatment records protected under federal law
You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent that actions have already been taken based on your permission.
5. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
Right to Inspect and Copy
You may request to view or obtain a copy of your medical record. Reasonable fees may be charged for copies or electronic delivery.
Right to Amend
If you believe PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny your request in some circumstances, but you will be informed of the reason.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request limits on how your PHI is used or shared. We are not required to agree, except where disclosure is to a health plan for services you have paid for out of pocket in full.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request that we contact you by alternative means or at a specific address or phone number.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures made without your authorization, excluding disclosures for treatment, payment, and operations.
Right to a Paper or Electronic Copy of This Notice
You may request another copy of this Notice at any time.
6. Breach Notification
If your PHI is compromised in a breach, we will notify you promptly, consistent with federal law, and outline the steps you may take to protect yourself.
7. Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to amend this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain, and an updated copy will be available upon request and posted on our website if applicable.
8. Concerns or Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not affect your care.
Practice Contact for Privacy Matters:
Name: Brendan Bush, Office Manager
Phone: (505) 501-8017
Email: privacy@drgenevievewilliamson.com
Address: 1800 Old Pecos Trail, Suite 4/5, Santa Fe, NM 87505
HHS Office for Civil Rights:
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html
You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.