Notice of Health information
Access to medical information
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GAIN ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
HearUSA is required to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with a notice of its legal duties and privacy practices. HearUSA will not use or disclose your health information except as described in this Notice. This Notice applies to all of the medical records generated by HearUSA as well as records we receive from other providers.
USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING YOUR CONSENT:
With your consent, the HearUSA may use and disclose your health information for the following purposes.
- Treatment
HearUSA may use your health information in the provision and coordination of your healthcare. We may disclose all or any portion of your medical record information to your attending physician, consulting physician(s), nurses, technicians, audiology students, and other health care providers who have a legitimate need for such information in your care and treatment. Different departments may share health information about you in order to coordinate specific services, such as prescriptions, lab work and x-rays. HearUSA also may disclose your health information to people outside HearUSA who may be involved in your medical care after you leave HearUSA such as family members, and others used to provide services that are part of your care. Other ways we may use or disclose your health information for purposes related to treatment are:
Treatment Alternatives: To tell you about or recommend possible treatment options or alternatives that may be of interest to you, such as new products or services.
Appointment Reminders: To contact you as a reminder that you have an appointment for treatment or hearing care at HearUSA.
- PaymentHearUSA may release health information about you for the purposes of determining coverage, billing, claims management, medical data processing, and reimbursement. The information may be released to an insurance company, third party payer or other entity (or their authorized representatives) involved in the payment of your bill and may include copies or excerpts of your medical record which are necessary for payment of your account. For example, a bill sent to a third party payer may include information that identifies you, your diagnosis, and the procedures and supplies used. We may also provide payment information to other care providers who have been involved in your care, such as a referral agency.
- Routine healthcare operationsHearUSA may use and disclose your health information during routine healthcare operations, including quality assurance, utilization review, medical review, internal auditing, accreditation, certification, licensing or credentialing activities of HearUSA, medical research and educational purposes. HearUSA may engage outside companies to carry out certain aspects of routine healthcare operations. These entities are called the “business associates”. HearUSA may need to disclose your health information to business associates to allow them to perform their duties. The business associates will, in turn, use and disclose your health information as they conduct business on HearUSA’s behalf. Examples of business associates, include, but are not limited to, a printer service used by HearUSA, consultants, accountants, lawyers, and thirdparty billing companies. HearUSA requires business associates to protect the confidentiality of your health information.
User and disclosures requiring your authorization
Uses and disclosures to which you may object
- Family/friendsHearUSA may disclose your health information to a friend or family member who is involved in your medical care. We may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care. We may also tell your family or friends of your condition. In addition, we may disclose health information about you to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort so that your family can be notified about your condition, status and location. Any information shared will only be to those who need to know the information and only to the extent permitted by law. If you are capable of making your own health care decisions, we will ask your permission before using your information for these purposes. If you are unable to make health care decisions, we may disclose relevant health information to family members or others responsible people if we feel it is in your best interest to do so, including an emergency. If you have any objection to our using or disclosing your health information in this manner, please tell us.
- MarketingHearUSA does not sell or release patient information to third parties for marketing. HearUSA gives you the opportunity to receive promotions or information about products and services. You may select your contact preferences by use of forms obtained in Clinics or by calling Client Service at (800) 731-3277.
Required or permitted without consent or authorization
- ResearchUnder certain circumstances, HearUSA may use and disclose your health information to approved clinical research studies. While most clinical research studies require specific patient consent, there are some instances where a retrospective record review with no patient contact may be conducted by such researchers.
- Regulatory agenciesHearUSA may disclose your health information to government and certain private health oversight agencies, e.g., the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or the Board of Medical Examiners, for activities authorized by law, including, but not limited to, licensure, certification, audits, investigations and inspections. These activities are necessary to monitor compliance with the requirements of government programs.
- Law enforcement/litigationHearUSA may disclose your health information for law enforcement purposes as required by law or in response to a court order or subpoena.
- Public healthAs required by law, HearUSA may disclose your health information to public health or legal authorities charged with preventing or controlling disease, injury or disability.
- Workers' compensationHearUSA may release health information about you for workers’ compensation or similar programs. These programs provide benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Military veteransHearUSA may disclose your health information as required by military command authorities, if you are a member of the armed forces.
- As otherwise required by lawHearUSA will disclose your health information in any situation in which such disclosure is required by law (e.g., child abuse, domestic abuse).
Health information
Your rights to your health info
- Right to confidential communicationYou have the right to receive confidential communications of your health information by alternative means or at alternative locations. For example, you may request that HearUSA only contact you at work or by mail.
- Right to inspect and copyYou generally have the right to inspect and copy your health information, except as restricted by law.
- Right to amendYou have the right to request an amendment or correction to your health information. If we agree that an amendment or correction is appropriate, we will ensure that the amendment or correction is attached to your medical record.
- Right to an accountingYou have the right to obtain a statement of the disclosures that have been made of your health information other than by your authorization, other than to you and other than for the purpose of treatment, payment or routine operational purposes.
- Right to request restrictionsYou have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information. If we are able to agree to your request, we will abide by the restrictions.
- Right to receive copy of this noticeYou have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice, upon request, if this Notice has been provided to you electronically.
- Right to choose a representativeYou have a right to choose someone to act for you. If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights outlined in this Notice. We will make sure the person has that authority before we take any action.
- Right to revoke consent or authorizationYou have the right to revoke your consent or authorization to use or disclose your health information, except to the extent that action has already been taken in reliance on your consent or authorization.
Your rights have been violated
You may file a complaint with HearUSA or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with HearUSA please contact: Customer Service at (800) 731-3277.
All complaints must be submitted in writing. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.
