Privacy Practices
Spectrum Behavioral Health is required by law to follow the practices described in this statement. This information is a summary of our privacy practices but does not replace the fullstatement version, which is available to you upon request. This notice applies to personal medical/health information that we have about you and which is kept in or by this organization. With some exceptions we must obtain your authorization to disclose or release your healthcare information. These are some situations in which we are not required to obtain your authorization. We are permitted to use your protected health information and share it with other members of our organization. Neither this statement nor the full Notice of Privacy Practices covers every possible use or disclosure. If you have any questions, please contact Spectrum's Privacy Officer.
Who has access to your personal information?
Medical/Health information about you can be used to....
- Plan your treatment and services;
This includes releasing information to qualified professional who work within our organization and are involved in your care or treatment, It may also include providers whom we pay to provide services for you. We release the minimum amount of information necessary to ensure quality care.
- Submit bills to your insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or third-party payers;
- Obtain approval for services in advance from your insurance company;
- Exchange information with Social Security, Employment Security or Social Services, and
- Measure and evaluate the quality or our services and service delivery.
Some additional examples of the types of uses and disclosures of your protected health information that we are allowed to make without your authorization are listed below:
- When required by federal, state or local law;
This example includes investigations, audits, inspections and licensure.
- When ordered to do so by court of law;
- To treat you in an emergency;
- To treat you when there is something that prevents us from communicating with you;
- To give you appointment reminders;
- To inform you about possible treatment options or services;
- For agencies involved in a disaster situation, and
- When there is a serious public health or safety threat to you or others.
Uses and Disclosures of Personal Health Information with an Authorization
For any uses or disclosures that are not for treatment, healthcare operations, payment and as required by law, Spectrum Behavioral Health obtains a client's signed authorization and the information is used as stated in the authorization. All requests for non-routine disclosures are considered on a case-by-case basis in order to limit the release of information to the minimum amount necessary and to meet the purpose for which the request was made. You may cancel an authorization at any time.
Your Health Information Rights are....
- To see and get a copy of your protected health information (with some exceptions);
Request need to be in writing and may require a fee of up to $0.75 per page.
- To appeal if your request for access to your personal health information is denied, and
- To have the right to ask for your Personal Health Information record to be changed if you believe there is an error or if something important is missing. Your request must be in writing and it could be denied. You have the right to file a written statement or disagreement.
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