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.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Digestive Health Associates, PC is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy describes our practices concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide you with quality healthcare services, including:

• Personal identification information (name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, Social Security number)
• Health insurance information
• Medical history and current health conditions
• Medications and allergies
• Test results and diagnostic information
• Treatment and procedure records
• Billing and payment information

How We Use Your Information

We use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

Treatment

We use your health information to provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare and related services. This includes consultation with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

Payment

We use and disclose your health information to bill and collect payment for services we provide. This may include providing information to your health insurance company to verify coverage and obtain prior authorization for procedures.

Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your health information for our healthcare operations, including quality assessment, staff evaluation, licensing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the following rights with respect to your protected health information:

Right to Access

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information. To request copies of your medical records, please contact our office in writing.

Right to Amend

You have the right to request that we amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. We may deny your request under certain circumstances.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information.

Right to Request Restrictions

You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information. We are not required to agree to your request, but if we do, we will comply with the agreed-upon restriction.

Right to Request Confidential Communications

You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health information by alternative means or at alternative locations.

Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice

You have the right to receive a paper copy of this notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.

When We May Disclose Your Information Without Authorization

We may use or disclose your health information without your authorization in the following situations:

• When required by law
• For public health activities
• To report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• For health oversight activities
• For judicial and administrative proceedings
• For law enforcement purposes
• To coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors
• For organ and tissue donation
• For research purposes (with proper authorization)
• To avert a serious threat to health or safety
• For specialized government functions
• For workers' compensation purposes

Website Privacy

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Website Forms

Information submitted through our website contact forms is transmitted securely and used only to respond to your inquiries or schedule appointments. We do not sell or share your contact information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Patient Portal

Our patient portal uses encryption and secure authentication to protect your health information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

Security of Your Information

We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your health information, including:

• Secure, password-protected electronic medical records systems
• Encrypted transmission of sensitive data
• Restricted access to medical records
• Staff training on privacy and security practices
• Regular security assessments and updates

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to revise this Privacy Policy. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised policy on our website. We will provide notice of significant changes as required by law.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Digestive Health Associates Privacy Officer at (970) 385-4022
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact: