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. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact our Privacy Officer at 910-338-3381.

Our Obligations

We are required by law to:

- Maintain the privacy of protected health information.

- Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding health information about you.

- Follow the terms of our notice that is currently in effect.

How We May Use and Disclose Health Information

The following describes the ways we may use and disclose health information that identifies you ("Health Information"). Except for the purposes described below, we will use and disclose Health Information only with your written permission. You may revoke such permission at any time by writing to our practice Privacy Officer.

For Treatment. We may use and disclose Health Information for your treatment and to provide you with treatment-related health care services. For example, we may disclose Health Information to doctors, nurses, technicians, or other personnel, including people outside our office, who are involved in your medical care and need the information to provide you with medical care.

For Payment. We may use and disclose Health Information so that we or others may bill and receive payment from you, an insurance company, or a third party for the treatment and services you received. For example, we may give your health plan information about you so that they will pay for your treatment.

For Health Care Operations. We may use and disclose Health Information for health care operations purposes. These uses and disclosures are necessary to make sure that all of our patients receive quality care and to operate and manage our office. For example, we may use and disclose information to make sure the care you receive is of the highest quality. We also may share information with other entities that have a relationship with you (for example, your health plan) for their health care operation activities.

Appointment Reminders, Treatment Alternatives, and Health-Related Benefits and Services. We may use and disclose Health Information to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with us. We also may use and disclose Health Information to tell you about treatment alternatives or health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you.

Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care. When appropriate, we may share Health Information with a person who is involved in your medical care or payment for your care, such as your family or a close friend. We also may notify your family about your location or general condition or disclose such information to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort.

Research. Under certain circumstances, we may use and disclose Health Information for research. For example, a research project may involve comparing the health of patients who received one treatment to those who received another. Before we use or disclose Health Information for research, the project will go through a special approval process.

Special Situations

We may also use or disclose Health Information in the following situations:

As Required by Law. We will disclose Health Information when required to do so by international, federal, state, or local law.

To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety. We may use and disclose Health Information when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of others.

Business Associates. We may disclose Health Information to our business associates that perform functions on our behalf. All business associates are required to protect the privacy of your information.

Organ and Tissue Donation. If you are an organ donor, we may release Health Information to organizations involved in organ procurement or transplantation.

Military and Veterans. If you are a member of the armed forces, we may release Health Information as required by military command authorities.

Workers’ Compensation. We may release Health Information for workers’ compensation or similar programs.

Public Health Risks. We may disclose Health Information for public health activities such as reporting disease, injury, child abuse, reactions to medications, product recalls, or exposure to disease.

Health Oversight Activities. We may disclose Health Information to health oversight agencies for activities such as audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure.

Data Breach Notification Purposes. We may use or disclose your Health Information to provide legally required notices of unauthorized access.

Lawsuits and Disputes. We may disclose Health Information in response to a court or administrative order, subpoena, or discovery request.

Law Enforcement. We may release Health Information if asked by law enforcement officials under certain conditions.

Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors. We may release Health Information for purposes such as identifying a deceased person or determining cause of death.

National Security and Intelligence Activities. We may release Health Information to authorized federal officials for intelligence and national security purposes.

Protective Services. We may disclose Health Information to authorized federal officials to provide protection to the President and other authorized persons.

Inmates or Individuals in Custody. If you are in custody, we may release Health Information to correctional institutions or law enforcement officials when necessary.

Uses and Disclosures That Require an Opportunity to Object

Unless you object, we may disclose your Health Information to a family member, relative, close friend, or another person identified by you who is involved in your care or payment for your care. We may also disclose information to disaster relief organizations to help notify your family of your location or condition.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Written Authorization

Your written authorization is required for:

Uses and disclosures of Health Information for marketing purposes.

Disclosures that constitute a sale of your Health Information.

Other uses and disclosures not covered by this notice or applicable laws will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except where we have already relied on it.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding Health Information we have about you:

Right to Inspect and Copy. You may inspect and copy Health Information, including medical and billing records.

Right to an Electronic Copy of Records. If maintained electronically, you may request a copy of your records in electronic form.

Right to Get Notice of a Breach. You will be notified of a breach of your unsecured Health Information.

Right to Amend. You may request an amendment if you believe information is incorrect or incomplete.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You may request a list of certain disclosures we made of your Health Information.

Right to Request Restrictions. You may request limitations on how we use or disclose your Health Information.

Right to Request Confidential Communications. You may request to be contacted in a specific way or at a specific location.

Right to a Paper Copy. You may request a paper copy of this notice at any time.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this notice and make the revised notice effective for all Health Information we already have as well as any we may receive in the future. A copy of the current notice will be posted in our office, with the effective date clearly displayed.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our office, contact Vascular Institute of the Pines. All complaints must be made in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.