Our office is committed to protecting the privacy rights of our patients and safeguarding the confidential information entrusted to us.
It is a requirement of this practice that every employee receives appropriate training and remains dedicated to the core principle that your health information will never be compromised. We may update or amend our privacy policies and practices from time to time, but we will always notify you of any material changes that affect our obligations or your rights.
Protecting Your Healthcare Information
We use and disclose the information we collect from you only as permitted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Oregon Policy for Protected Health Information (ORS 192.553–192.581), and other applicable laws of the state of Oregon. This includes uses and disclosures related to your treatment, payment, and our healthcare operations.
Your personal health information will never be shared or disclosed to anyone—including family members—without your consent or written authorization. You may, of course, provide written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose for any purpose you specify.
Our offices and electronic systems are secured against unauthorized access. Our employees are trained to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your records are always protected. This privacy policy and our practices apply to all former, current, and future patients, giving you confidence that your protected health information will never be improperly disclosed or released.
Collecting Protected Health Information (PHI)
We collect only the personal information necessary to deliver high-quality healthcare, process payments, conduct normal healthcare operations, and comply with legal requirements. This may include your name, address, telephone number(s), Social Security Number, employment information, medical history, health records, and similar data.
While most information is collected directly from you, we may obtain information from third parties when necessary. Regardless of its source, your personal information is always protected to the fullest extent of the law.
Disclosure of Your Protected Health Information
As noted above, we may disclose your information when required by law. We are obligated to provide information to law enforcement and government officials in certain circumstances.
We will not use your information for marketing or fundraising purposes without your written consent. We may use and/or disclose your health information to send appointment reminders (including via voicemail, answering machines, or postcards) unless you instruct us otherwise.
We will never sell, use, disclose, or otherwise allow access to your personal protected information in exchange for financial remuneration. Your data will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
In the event of any breach involving your personal health information—including unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure—we will fully investigate, address, and mitigate the incident as required by the HIPAA Privacy Breach Notification Rule and Oregon law. You have the right to be notified and will receive all relevant information regarding any breach that involves your PHI.
Your Rights as Our Patient
You have the right to:
- Request copies of your healthcare information
- Request copies in a variety of formats
- Request an accounting (list) of instances in which we or our business associates have disclosed your protected health information for purposes other than those stated above
All such requests must be submitted in writing. We may charge a reasonable fee for copies, as allowed by law.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please notify us immediately. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority.