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.

Privacy is a very important concern for all those who come to this office. It is also complicated, because of the many federal and state laws and my professional ethics. Because the rules are so complicated, some parts of this notice are very detailed, and you probably will have to read them several times to understand them. If you have any questions, I, as my own compliance officer will be happy to help you understand my procedures and your rights.

A. Introduction to my practice

B. Contents of this notice of privacy practices

B.   What I mean by your medical information

C.  Privacy and the laws about privacy

D.  How your protected health information (PHI) can be used and shared

1.   Uses and disclosures with your consent

            a.   The basic uses and disclosures: For treatment, payment, and health care operations

            b.   Other uses and disclosures in health care

2.   Uses and disclosures that require your consent and authorization

3.   Uses and disclosures that don’t require your consent or authorization

            a.   When required by law

            b.   For law enforcement purposes

            c.   For public health activities

            d.   For matters relating to deceased persons

            e.   For specific government functions

            f.    To prevent a serious threat to health or safety

4.   Uses and disclosures where you have an opportunity to object

5.   An accounting of disclosures I have made

E.   Your rights about your protected health information

F.   If you have questions or problems