At Vertex Pain Physicians, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. This policy outlines how we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure your protected health information (PHI) is handled securely and confidentially.
What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
PHI includes any information about your health, medical history, treatment, or payment for healthcare services that can identify you. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Your name, address, and date of birth
- Medical records and test results
- Billing and insurance information
How We Use and Disclose Your PHI
We use your PHI for the following purposes:
- Treatment: To provide and coordinate your medical care.
- Payment: To bill and collect payment from insurance companies or other entities.
- Healthcare Operations: For clinic management, staff training, and quality improvement.
Your Rights Regarding PHI
You have several rights regarding your PHI, including:
- Right to Access: You can request a copy of your medical records.
- Right to Amend: You may ask us to correct or update your medical information.
- Right to Restrict Use: You can request limits on how we use or share your PHI.
- Right to Confidential Communication: You can specify how and where we contact you.
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a list of times we have shared your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations.
How We Protect Your PHI
We have implemented administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your PHI, including:
- Secure electronic health records (EHR) systems with password protection and encryption.
- Staff training on HIPAA policies and procedures.
- Strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can view your PHI.
- Regular audits of our systems and procedures to ensure compliance.
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Privacy Policy
All patients will be provided a copy of this HIPAA policy at their first visit and asked to sign an acknowledgment form. This form confirms you have received and reviewed our privacy practices.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy as needed to comply with changes in laws or clinic procedures. Any updates will be posted in our office and on our website. If you have any questions about this policy or your rights, please contact us at 210-545-0087.
Thank you for trusting Vertex Pain Physicians with your care. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy while providing the highest quality healthcare.
