Psychological & Counseling Services, P.C. Privacy Notice

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.

Understanding Your Health Information and Your Rights

As part of your mental health treatment here, a record will be made of each visit and any other important exchange of information on your behalf. This record may include your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plan, and other impressions.  Your information is used by insurance companies to verify that the services billed for were actually provided. Although your health record belongs to the healthcare provider, you do have certain rights with regard to your health information. Those rights include the following:

• The right to expect that your information will be kept secure and used only for legitimate purposes.

• The right to understand how your information may be used and disclosed.

• The right to ask questions about any health privacy issue and get clear and prompt answers.

• A limited right to know who has seen your health information and for what purpose. This right generally applies to non-routine disclosures, i.e., for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

• A right to see, and to keep a copy of all your health records (except psychotherapy notes). Your request must be in writing and you may be charged a reasonable copying fee.

• A right to ask for correction or inclusion of a statement of disagreement for anything in your records that you feel is in error. Your request must be in writing and include supporting documentation.

• A right to authorize or refuse additional uses of your health information, such as for fundraising, marketing, or research.

• A right to request extra protections for health information you consider especially sensitive, and to request that I communicate with you by alternative means.

Our ResponsibilitiesWe also have certain responsibilities, which include:

• Providing you with a copy of this Notice and abiding by the terms of the Notice.

• Maintaining the privacy of your record.

• Notifying you if we are unable to agree to a requested amendment or restriction.

• Accommodating reasonable requests you may have to communicate health information by alternative means.

Under certain circumstances, we may feel we must deny your request to see or receive a copy of your record (for example, if we believe the disclosure will endanger your life or health or that of another person). If we do deny your request, we will give you the reasons for the denial in writing. You may have a right to have our denial reviewed.
If our information practices change, we may change this notice. If so, the change will be effective for information gathered both before and after the effective date of such change. Changes will be posted in the waiting room and on our website.

Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations

• Your health information will not be used or disclosed without your authorization, except as described in this Notice. Your information may be used for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without your permission. However, if state law requires us to obtain written permission, we will do so.

• We will use or disclose your health information for treatment. For instance, we may provide your physician or other healthcare provider with copies of reports that may help in determining your future treatment or coordinating treatment. We may also consult with other professionals to assess your care and outcomes.

• Your information may also be disclosed for payment purposes. We will use or disclose your health information for payment. In order to bill your insurance company, your bill may contain information that identifies you, your diagnosis, procedures, and dates/ times of service. Your dates of services and charges may be disclosed for collection purposes as well.

• We will use or disclose your information for healthcare operations and internal business practices.

Other Disclosures That May Be Made Without Your Authorization

• Family members, personal representatives, or another person responsible for your care may be informed about your location and general condition and health information only as relevant to that person's involvement in your care or payment related to your care.

• Some services of my practice are provided through contractual arrangements with business associates, such as the front office staff, cleaning services, computer services, and accounting services. These business associates must use appropriate safeguards to protect your health information.

• In Worker's Compensation situations, we may disclose your health information to the extent authorized by and to the extent necessary to comply with laws relating to workers compensation or other similar programs established by law.

• When required or permitted by law, we may disclose your health information to public health or legal authorities responsible for preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability or for performing other public health functions. In addition, we may disclose your health information in order to avert a serious threat to health or safety.

• We may disclose your health information for military and veterans' activities, national security and intelligence activities, and similar special governmental functions as required or permitted by law.

• Some disclosures are required by law. These may include a valid subpoena, court order, or other binding authority. These may also include reports of abuse or neglect or threats of imminent harm to yourself or others.

• We are permitted to contact you, without your prior authorization, to provide appointment reminders or information about alternative or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you.

• Your health information may be disclosed to appropriate oversight agencies, a public health authority, or an attorney involved in health oversight activities.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20201). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.