Notice of Privacy

 

We understand that medical information about you and your health is personal. We are committed to protecting medical information about you. This notice describes how health information about you, as a patient of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

West Suburban Surgical Associates, Ltd. DBA, Advanced Breast Care Specialists is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We realize these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information.

The following circumstances may require us to disclose your health information.

For Treatment

We use medical information about you to provide you with medical treatment or services. We may disclose medical information about you to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students, hospital personnel who are involved in taking care of you at our office, hospital or surgery center. For example, we will share medical information about you with the hospital in order to coordinate services we order for you such as surgical, lab or imaging procedures. We may also disclose medical information about you, to people outside the hospital who may be involved in your care such as family members, or home health agencies.

For Payment

We may use and disclose medical information about you so that the treatment and services you receive at our office, hospital or surgery center may be billed to and payment collected from you, an insurance company or third party such as a collection company. For example, we may need to give your health plan information about surgery you received at the hospital so your health plan will pay us or reimburse you for the surgery. We may also tell your health plan about a treatment you are going to receive in order to obtain prior approval or to determine whether your plan will cover the treatment or procedure.

For Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose medical information in connection with our healthcare operations. Healthcare operations include quality assessment and improvement activities, and reviewing the competence or qualifications of healthcare professionals. We may also use and disclose your medical information for conducting training programs, accreditation, certification, licensing or credential activities.

For Appointment Reminders

We may use and disclose medical information to contact you or a family member as a reminder that you have an appointment, or need to schedule an appointment for medical services.

For Treatment Alternatives and Health-Related Benefits and Services

We may use and disclose medical information to you about recommended treatment options or alternatives that may be of interest to you. We may also use information to tell you about health related benefits or services that may apply to you.

In addition to the above we will also use and disclose medical information about you for the following:

• To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
• Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court order or administrative order.
• If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
• For Workers Compensation and similar programs.