HIPAA Privacy Policy
HIPAA Privacy Policy
Refresh Palm Beach Medical Aesthetics and Refresh Port St Lucie Medical Aesthetics Notice of Privacy Practices
Last Updated: 09/05/2024
This Notice Describes How Medical Information About You May Be Used and Disclosed and How You Can Access This Information. Please Review It Carefully.
1. WHO WILL FOLLOW THIS NOTICE?
1.1. Scope
This notice applies to Refresh Palm Beach Medical Aesthetics, including all facilities and operations at both our Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie locations.
1.2. Workforce Members
This includes all employees, contractors, volunteers, and other individuals who have access to your medical information.
2. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
2.1. Confidentiality
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of your medical information. This includes ensuring that your personal health information (PHI) is safeguarded while we provide the highest standard of medical care.
2.2. Application
This notice applies to all records of your medical care created or received by Refresh Palm Beach Medical Aesthetics.
2.3. Comparison with Other Providers
Note that other medical providers may have different policies regarding the use and disclosure of your medical information.
3. HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
3.1. Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations (TPO)
Treatment We may use and disclose PHI to provide and coordinate your medical care.
Example: Sharing your medical history with a specialist to whom you are referred.
Payment
We may use PHI to obtain payment for services provided.
Example: Submitting claims to your health insurance company.
Health Care Operations
We use PHI to perform various health care operations such as quality assessment, training, and administrative tasks.
Example: Evaluating our services or providing information to auditors.
3.2. Additional Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization
Licensure and Certification
Disclosure for licensure or certification purposes by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Appointment Reminders
We may contact you to remind you of appointments. Requests for confidential communication should be submitted in writing.
Involvement of Family and Friends
PHI may be shared with individuals involved in your care or for notification purposes in emergencies.
Emergency Situations
PHI may be used or disclosed in emergency situations. We will seek your acknowledgment of this notice as soon as feasible.
Health-Related Benefits
We may inform you about health-related benefits or services that could be of interest.
Legal Requirements
We will disclose PHI when required by law, including compliance with federal, state, or local regulations.
Communicable Diseases
PHI may be disclosed to individuals at risk of contracting or spreading communicable diseases as authorized by law.
Health Oversight Activities
Disclosure to health oversight agencies for activities such as audits, investigations, and inspections.
Abuse or Neglect
PHI may be disclosed to authorities in cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
FDA Reporting
PHI may be shared with the FDA for reporting adverse events, product defects, or similar issues.
Legal Proceedings
Disclosure of PHI in response to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes.
Law Enforcement
PHI may be released to law enforcement for purposes including national security and protection of government officials.
Coroners, Funeral Directors, and Organ Donation
PHI may be disclosed to coroners, funeral directors, and for organ donation purposes.
Research
PHI may be used for research purposes, provided it is approved and privacy protections are in
place.
Criminal Activity
PHI may be disclosed to prevent or address serious threats to health or safety or to assist law enforcement.
Workers’ Compensation
PHI may be released for Workers’ Compensation claims or similar programs.
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
4.1. Right to Inspect and Copy
Requesting Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your PHI, including medical and billing records.
Requests must be in writing. Fees may apply for copying and mailing.
Denial of Access
Access may be denied in certain limited circumstances. You can request a review of any denial.
4.2. Right to Request Restrictions
Limiting Use and Disclosure
You can request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your PHI. We are not required to agree to all restrictions but will comply with agreed-upon limitations.
Request Procedure
Requests must be submitted in writing, specifying the information you wish to restrict, the nature of the restriction, and the parties to whom it applies.
4.3. Right to Confidential Communications
Alternative Contact Methods
You may request that PHI communications be made by alternative means or at alternative locations.
Requests must be in writing and specify how or where you wish to be contacted.
4.4. Right to Amend Correcting Information
If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request an amendment. Only the entity that created the information can make amendments. Requests should be submitted to the entity responsible for the information.
4.5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
Disclosure History
You have the right to request a list of disclosures of your PHI made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations.
Requests must be in writing and specify the time period, up to six years prior to the request date.
4.6. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
Obtaining Copies
You can request a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have previously agreed to receive it electronically.
5. CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE
5.1. Revisions
We reserve the right to change this notice. Any revisions will be effective for both current and future PHI.
5.2. Notification
Updated notices will be posted on our website and at our office locations, with the effective date clearly indicated.
6. FILING COMPLAINTS
6.1. Procedure
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Office Manager at either the Palm Beach or Port St. Lucie locations or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
6.2. No Retaliation
You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.
7. OTHER USES OF PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
7.1. Authorization
Any use or disclosure of PHI not covered by this notice or applicable laws will require your written authorization.
7.2. Revocation
You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time. Revocation will not affect disclosures made prior to the revocation.
8. QUESTIONS?
8.1. Contact Information
For questions about this notice or to make any requests, please contact our Office Manager at either our Palm Beach or Port St. Lucie location. You may also email
support@refreshpbma.com.