When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. To use any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer (contact information at the end of this notice). Some requests must be made in writing, and we will tell you how.
You can ask to see or get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other health information we have about you. Ask us how to do this. We will provide a copy or a summary, usually within 30 days of your request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.
You can ask us to correct health information about you that you think is incorrect or incomplete. Ask us how to do this. We may say “no,” but we will tell you why in writing within 60 days.
You can ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or cell phone) or to send mail to a different address. We will say “yes” to all reasonable requests.
You can ask us not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or our operations. We are not required to agree, and we may say “no” if it would affect your care. If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you can ask us not to share that information with your health insurer for payment or operations. We will say “yes” unless a law requires us to share it.
You can ask for a list (accounting) of the times we’ve shared your health information for six years prior to the date you ask, who we shared it with, and why. We will include all disclosures except those about treatment, payment, and health care operations, and certain other disclosures (such as any you asked us to make). We will provide one list a year for free but may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee if you ask for another within 12 months.
You can ask for a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you agreed to receive it electronically. We will provide it promptly.
If you have given someone medical power of attorney, or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your health information. We will make sure the person has this authority before we take any action.
You can complain if you feel we have violated your rights by contacting our Privacy Officer (contact information below). You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
For certain health information, you can tell us your choices about what we share.
If you are not able to tell us your preference, for example if you are unconscious, we may share your information if we believe it is in your best interest. We may also share your information when needed to lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
We do not use your health information for fundraising.
How do we typically use or share your health information?
We can use your health information and share it with other professionals who are treating you. Example: Dr. Okogbaa shares information with your surgery center, primary care doctor, or another specialist involved in your care.
We can use and share your health information to run our practice, improve your care, and contact you when necessary. Example: We use your health information to manage your treatment and services, and to send appointment reminders by phone, text, or email.
We can use and share your health information to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities. Example: We give information about you to your health insurance plan so it will pay for your services.
We work with outside companies that help us operate, such as our electronic health record, billing, scheduling and patient communication services, and medical scribe and documentation services. These companies may receive your health information only to perform services for us, and they must sign agreements requiring them to protect it.
We are allowed or required to share your information in other ways, usually in ways that contribute to the public good, such as public health and research. We have to meet many conditions in the law before we can share your information for these purposes.
If we receive records about you from a federally assisted substance use disorder treatment program (protected by 42 CFR Part 2), we will not use or share those records in any civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceeding against you unless you give written consent, or a court orders it after you have been notified and given a chance to be heard. A court order must be accompanied by a subpoena or other legal requirement compelling disclosure.
If Louisiana law gives your health information more protection than federal law, we will follow the stricter law.
For more information, visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.
We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website.
Privacy Officer
Louisiana Center for Eyes
7855 Howell Blvd., Suite 130A
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Phone: (225) 356-2655
Email: info@lacenterforeyes.com
