HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Lymphedema Specialty Clinic is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information. This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI), your rights regarding your health information, and our legal obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We understand that medical information about you is personal and confidential. We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
• Follow the terms currently in effect in this notice
• Notify you if a breach occurs that may compromise the privacy or security of your information

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

For Treatment

We may use and share your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and treatment services.

Examples include:

• Evaluating and treating lymphedema and related conditions
• Communicating with your physicians or healthcare providers
• Coordinating referrals or follow-up care

For Payment

We may use and disclose your information to bill and collect payment for healthcare services.

Examples include:

• Verifying insurance coverage
• Submitting claims to insurance providers
• Processing payments
• Collecting outstanding balances

For Healthcare Operations

We may use your information to support clinic operations and improve the quality of care we provide.

Examples include:

• Staff training and education
• Quality improvement activities
• Compliance and auditing reviews
• Business management and administrative functions

Appointment Reminders and Communications

We may contact you by phone, email, text message, or mail regarding:

• Appointment reminders
• Follow-up care
• Treatment-related information
• Clinic announcements and operational updates

You may request alternative methods of communication if desired.

Individuals Involved in Your Care

Unless you object, we may share relevant information with family members, caregivers, or others involved in your healthcare or payment for your care when appropriate.

As Required by Law

We may disclose your information when required by federal, state, or local laws, including:

• Public health reporting
• Court orders and legal proceedings
• Law enforcement requests
• Health oversight activities
• Government audits and investigations

To Prevent Serious Threats

We may disclose information when necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to your health, safety, or the safety of others.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization

Certain uses and disclosures of your health information require your written authorization.

We will obtain your written permission before:

• Using your information for marketing purposes when required by law
• Selling your health information
• Sharing psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
• Any other use not described in this Notice

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent that action has already been taken based on your authorization.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

Right to Access Your Records

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health records, subject to certain legal limitations.

Right to Request Corrections

If you believe information in your medical record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that it be amended.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information. While we will consider your request, we are not always required to agree.

Right to Request Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you through specific methods or at specific locations.

Right to Receive an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your health information that we have made outside of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice

You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you previously agreed to receive it electronically.

Right to File a Complaint

You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

You may file a complaint directly with:

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Our Responsibilities

Lymphedema Specialty Clinic is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information and provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.

We reserve the right to change this Notice and make the revised Notice effective for all health information we maintain. Updated versions will be posted on our website and made available upon request.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Notice or your privacy rights, please contact: