Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Practices

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.

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7501 Fannin, Suite 850

Houston, TX 77054

Phone: 713-795-9500

Fax: 713-795-9590

Request Amendment

You have the right to request that we amend your medical information if you feel that it is incomplete or inaccurate. This request must be made in writing to our practice manager, specifying what information is incomplete or inaccurate and providing reasoning to support your request. We may deny your request if it is not in writing, lacks a reason to support it, or if:

The information was not created by us, or the creator is unavailable to make the amendment.
The information is not part of the record you are permitted to inspect and copy.
The information is not part of the designated record set kept by this practice.
The information is accurate and complete in the opinion of the healthcare provider.

Request Restrictions

You have the right to request a restriction on how we use or disclose your medical information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. For example, you may request that we not disclose information about a prior treatment to a family member or friend involved in your care or payment. This request must be in writing to our practice manager. We are not required to agree if we believe it is in your best interest to use or disclose that information. If we agree, we will comply with your request unless the information is needed for emergency treatment.

Accounting of Disclosures

You have the right to request a list of disclosures of your health information made outside of our practice that were not for treatment, payment, or health care operations. This request must be made in writing and must specify the time period for the requested information. Requests cannot be for dates before April 14, 2003, or for a period longer than six years. The first request within a 12-month period will be free. Subsequent requests within the same period may incur a fee, which we will notify you of before any costs are incurred.

Request Confidential Communications

You have the right to request how we communicate with you to preserve your privacy, such as calling you only at your work number or by mail at a specific address. This request must be made in writing and specify how or where we should contact you. We will accommodate all reasonable requests.

File a Complaint

If you believe we have violated your medical information privacy rights, you can file a complaint with our practice manager or the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Complaints must be in writing and submitted within 180 days of the suspected violation. Send it to 7501 Fannin, Suite 850, Houston, TX 77054. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.

Uses or Disclosures Not Covered

Uses or disclosures of your health information not covered by this notice or applicable laws will only be made with your written authorization, which you can revoke at any time. The revocation will not affect disclosures made before it was received.

For More Information

If you have questions or need more information, contact our practice manager at 713-795-9500.

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Ways We May Use and Disclose Your Protected Health Information:

Treatment

We will use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. This includes sharing information with other physicians involved in your care.

Payment

We will use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for healthcare services provided to you.

Health Care Operations

We will use and disclose your health information to support the business activities of our practice, such as evaluating our treatment and services or the performance of our staff.

Other Ways We May Use and Disclose Your Protected Health Information:

Appointment Reminders: Contacting you about scheduled appointments or treatment.
Treatment Alternatives: Informing you about possible alternative treatments or options.
Others Involved in Your Care: Sharing your health information with family members, relatives, or close friends involved in your care.
Research: Disclosing information to researchers with appropriate approvals and protocols.
As Required by Law: Using and disclosing information when required by federal, state, or local law.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Public Health or Safety: Sharing information with public health authorities for disease control and safety purposes.
Worker’s Compensation: Using and disclosing information for worker’s compensation or similar programs.
Inmates: Sharing information with correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or in custody, as necessary for your health care and safety.

Your Health Information Rights

A Paper Copy of This Notice: You can request a paper copy of this notice at any time.
Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and copy your health information maintained in our designated record set, excluding psychotherapy notes. Requests must be in writing, and fees may apply for copying, mailing, or other supplies.

If you wish to inspect or copy your medical information, submit your request in writing to our practice manager at 7501 Fannin, Suite 850, Houston, TX 77054. We have 30 days to respond if the information is on-site, or up to 60 days if stored off-site, with notification of any delay.