PRIVACY POLICY
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Under Federal law, your patient health information is protected and confidential. Patient health information includes information about your symptoms, testing results, diagnosis, treatment and other related medical information. Your health information also includes payment, billing and insurance information.
HOW YOUR PATIENT HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED
Allied Gastrointestinal Associates (AGA) is permitted to use and disclose your medical information to those involved in your treatment. For example, we may communicate to other health care providers who are participating in your treatment, to pharmacists who are filling and refilling your prescriptions, and to family members who are helping with your care. Physicians, nurses and other members of our staff will record information in your medical record and use it to determine the most appropriate course of care. We may also disclose this information by fax, in person or via telecommunication.PAYMENT
AGA will use and disclose your health information for payment purposes. We may need to obtain authorization from your insurance company before providing certain types of treatment. We will submit bills and maintain records of payment from your health plan.HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS
AGA may use or disclose your medical information for the purposes of health care operations, which are activities that support this practice and help provide the delivery of quality care. We may use and disclose your health information to conduct our standard internal operations, including proper administration of records, evaluation of the quality of treatment, and to assess the care and outcomes of your case and others like it.AGA may use your information to contact you with appointment reminders by phone or mail. We may also contact your to provide information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you.
OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES
AGA may use or disclose medical information about you for other reasons, even without your written authorization. We are permitted to give out health information without your permission for the following purposes:- by law to report gunshot wounds, suspected abuse or neglect, or similar injuries and events
- for approved medical research
- by law to disclose vital statistics, diseases, information related to recalls of dangerous products, and similar information to public health authorities
- to assist in investigations and audits, eligibility for government programs and similar activities
- in response to an appropriate subpoena or court order
- if required by law enforcement officials
- regarding deaths or coroners, medical examiners, funeral directors, and organ donation agencies
- when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person
- if you are a member of the armed forces, we may release information as required by military command authorities. We may also disclose information to correctional institutions or for national security purposes
- for worker's compensation or similar programs providing benefits for work-related injuries or illness
