Good morning... Friday, July 4, 2008
 
HIPAA
Our office complies with the rules and regulations mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

You will notice, if you have gone to any doctor later, that the number of forms you must read and sign have increased dramatically.
These measures have been instituted in order to:

  • Assure health insurance portability by eliminating job-lock due to pre-existing conditions;
  • Reduce healthcare fraud and abuse;
  • Enforce standards for health information;
  • Guarantee security and privacy of health information.

What We Do
Your files are kept in a locked room whenever the office is closed.
We do not give out information about you over the phone, except to your family doctor, insurance company or employer (worker's comp, only). These are allowed under the regulations. We will add to this list upon your signed authorization.

We maintain a record of movement of your file if any information, or the entire file, leaves the office.

Any requests for information about your records are also recorded.

We do not discuss your information with staff when other patients are present. Only staff members who have a need to know may see your file.