Notice of Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices
Date: 09/27/2019

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION PROPERLY PROVIDED TO US IN PERSON OR OVER THE PHONE RELATED TO A PATIENT’S TREATMENT MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO YOUR INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Please do not provide protected health or confidential information to us through our website unless specifically requested.

This notice is informational only and is preempted by the notice we provide at our offices.

1. About This Notice

This Notice of Privacy Practices (“Notice”) describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information (“PHI”) to carry out treatment, payment, and healthcare operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. PHI, for purposes of this Notice, is generally any information that identifies you and is created, received, maintained, or transmitted by us in the course of providing healthcare items or services to you. This Notice also describes your rights and our duties with respect to your PHI.

We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as amended (“HIPAA”) and other applicable laws, to maintain the privacy of PHI, to provide notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and to notify affected individuals following a breach of unsecured PHI. We are required to abide by the Notice currently in effect. You have a right to receive a paper copy of this Notice.

We reserve the right to change this Notice and make the new Notice apply to PHI we already have, as well as any information we receive in the future. Any revised Notice will be posted at our facilities and on this website.

2. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI

The following describes ways we may use or disclose your PHI that do not require your written authorization (except as otherwise noted).

• Treatment: This includes providing services to you, coordinating your care with other providers, sending you appointment reminders, and consulting with others (e.g., hearing aid manufacturer representatives) to assist in the selection, fitting, programming, or adjustment of your hearing aids.
• Payment: This includes billing for services provided to you to obtain payment from you, an insurance company, or other third parties.
• Health Care Operations: This includes activities that allow us to run our business and ensure quality care, such as quality assessments, performance reviews, business planning, and training programs.
• Other Health-Related Communications: This includes sending you information about health-related products or services that may benefit your hearing health.
• People Assisting in Your Care or Payment for Your Care: Unless you object, we may share limited relevant health information with a person involved in your care, such as a family member or friend. If you are unable to agree or object, we may disclose the information based on our professional judgment.
• Fundraising/Foundation: We may contact you about fundraising programs. You have the right to opt-out.
• Research: We may share your health information for research purposes if allowed by law or with your permission.

For more information, visit: HHS HIPAA Privacy.

3. When Your Written Authorization is Required

The use or disclosure of your PHI for marketing purposes or the sale of your PHI is prohibited unless you provide written authorization. Other uses and disclosures not covered by this Notice will only be made with your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written revocation.

4. Your Rights

• Right to Request Confidential Communications: You can request that we communicate with you in a certain way or at a certain location.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request a restriction on the PHI we use or disclose for treatment, payment, or health care operations. We are not required to agree, except for requests related to out-of-pocket payment in full.
• Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information, including electronic records. We may charge a reasonable cost-based fee.
• Right to Amend: If you believe your PHI is incorrect, you may request an amendment in writing. If denied, we will inform you of the reasons.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.

5. Questions

For questions about our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or your experience with our sites, please contact us via our “Contact Us” page.