To our patients: This notice describes how health information about you, as a patient of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Our commitment to your privacy:
Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information. We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:

Use and disclosure of your health information in certain circumstances:
1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to court or administrative order.
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
4. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or to the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to prevent the threat.
5. If you are a member of the U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
8. For workers Compensation and similar programs.
9. For treatment purposes including sharing medical data with another provider, making referrals, placing lab or prescription orders.
10. For payment purposes, for filing claims either by paper or electronically.
11. For Health care operations, for quality assurance, utilization reviews, credentialing, underwriting and auditing.

Your rights regarding your health information:
1. Communications. You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than work. We will accommodate reasonable request.
2. You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure for your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when information is necessary to treat you.
3. You have the right to obtain a copy of the health information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. We, the practice, have 30 days to respond to your request, and to charge an administrative fee of at least $25.00 for this copy.
4. You must submit your request in writing to Hypertension Nephrology Associates, with the name of your treating physician to the practices Privacy Official, MaryBeth Lawson, or to her designee who can be reached at (215) 657-2012 if you need further information.
5. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as it is kept by or for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to the practices Privacy Official, MaryBeth Lawson, who can be reached at (215) 657-2012 if you need further information.
6. Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this notice, contact the practices Privacy Official, MaryBeth Lawson or her designee at (215) 657-2012.
7. Right to file a complaint with our practices Privacy Official or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our practice, contact the practices Privacy Official, MaryBeth Lawson who can be reached at (215) 657-2012. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
8. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. Our practice will obtain you written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.