Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information.
HIPAA Notice: This Notice of Privacy Practices is provided in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and subsequent regulations.
Introduction
Next Step Psychiatry & Wellness ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your PHI and your rights concerning your health information.
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI, provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of this Notice. We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and to make new provisions effective for all PHI we maintain.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
For Treatment
We may use your health information to provide psychiatric treatment and services. We may share your information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as therapists, primary care physicians, or specialists, to coordinate your treatment.
For Payment
We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services provided. This includes billing your insurance company, verifying coverage, and collecting payment from you or a third party.
For Healthcare Operations
We may use your health information for healthcare operations necessary to run our practice, including quality assessment, training, licensing, and business planning activities.
With Your Authorization
Other uses and disclosures of your health information require your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time. Revocation will not affect any disclosures made before we received your revocation.
Special Protections for Mental Health Information
Federal and state laws provide additional protections for mental health information. Psychotherapy notes, when kept separate from your medical record, have special protection and require your specific authorization for disclosure in most circumstances.
Additionally, substance use disorder records are protected under federal regulation 42 CFR Part 2, which generally requires your written consent for disclosure.
Situations Where We May Disclose Without Authorization
There are limited situations where we may use or disclose your health information without your authorization as required or permitted by law:
- Public Health Activities: Reporting to public health authorities for disease prevention
- Health Oversight: Audits, investigations, and inspections by government agencies
- Judicial/Administrative Proceedings: In response to a court order or subpoena
- Law Enforcement: When required by law or to assist law enforcement
- Threats to Health or Safety: To prevent serious harm to you or others
- Workers' Compensation: As authorized for workers' compensation claims
- Coroners and Medical Examiners: For identification and cause of death
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
Right to Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information. We may charge a reasonable fee for copies. Requests must be made in writing.
Right to Amend
You may request an amendment to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete. We may deny the request in certain circumstances.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures we have made of your health information, except for disclosures for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures. We are not required to agree to all restrictions but must honor requests regarding disclosures to health plans for services you paid out-of-pocket in full.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you about your health information in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you may request calls only at work.
Right to a Paper Copy
You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
Website Privacy Practices
In addition to health information, we collect certain information when you visit our website:
- Contact Information: Name, email, phone number when you submit forms
- Usage Data: Browser type, pages visited, time spent on site
- Cookies: Small files stored on your device to improve your experience
We use this information to respond to inquiries, improve our website, and send appointment reminders if requested. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
Breach Notification
In the event of a breach of unsecured protected health information, we will notify you as required by law. We maintain appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of your health information.
Filing a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
To file a complaint with HHS, visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints
Questions About Our Privacy Practices?
Privacy Officer Contact
For questions or to exercise your rights, contact our Privacy Officer: