We understand the importance of protecting your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other applicable federal and state regulations.

1. Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.
• Provide you with this notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.
• Follow the terms of the Privacy Policy currently in effect.
• Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may compromise the privacy or security of your PHI.

2. Information We Collect

We collect health and personal information to provide medical services and fulfill administrative requirements. The information we collect may include:

• Demographic details (name, date of birth, address, contact information)
• Medical history and diagnosis
• Treatment information
• Insurance and payment details
• Records from other healthcare providers

3. How We Use and Disclose Your PHI

We may use or share your information for the following purposes without additional authorization:

a. Treatment

To provide you with medical care and coordinate your treatment with other healthcare providers.

b. Payment

To bill and collect payment from you, your insurance company, or another third party.

c. Healthcare Operations

To operate our practice, including quality improvement, staff training, risk management, auditing, and customer service.

d. Other Permitted or Required Disclosures

We may also use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following situations:

• Public health activities
• Health oversight agencies
• Legal proceedings or law enforcement
• Workers’ compensation
• Organ and tissue donation
• Coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors
• Research (under specific safeguards)
• National security and military purposes
• Inmates or individuals in custody

4. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization

We will obtain your written permission before using or disclosing your PHI for any purpose not covered by this Privacy Policy. This includes:

• Marketing activities not related to your care
• Sale of your health information
• Use of psychotherapy notes

5. Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a patient, you have the following rights:

a. Right to Access

You may request to inspect or obtain a copy of your medical records, including electronic records.

b. Right to Amend

You may request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

c. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may ask for a list of disclosures we have made of your PHI in the past six years, excluding disclosures made for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

d. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request that we limit the use or disclosure of your PHI. While we are not required to agree, we will comply if you pay out-of-pocket in full for a service and request that it not be shared with your insurer.

e. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way (e.g., via mail or at a different phone number).

f. Right to a Paper Copy of This Policy

You may request a printed copy of this notice at any time.

6. Data Security and Safeguards

We take extensive steps to protect your information, including:

• Secure electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Access control and password protection
• Employee HIPAA training
• Physical safeguards at our facilities
• Secure communication practices

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. Updates will be posted on our website, and the revised version will be effective as of the posted date.

8. Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint:

• With Us:

  Privacy Officer
  
  West Florida Medical Associates
  Address: 3775 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, Fl, 3446
  Phone: (352) 746-0600

• With the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

Visit www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or would like to exercise your rights, please contact:

Privacy Officer

West Florida Medical Associates
Address: 3775 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, Fl, 3446
Phone: (352) 746-0600