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Kern Cardiology Medical Group Medical-Since 1978
Notice of Privacy and Non-discrimination Policies
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of Health Information that identifies you; give you this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your Health Information; and follow the terms of our Notice that are currently in effect.
We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age (and any other bases you wish to include) in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment, or on the basis of sex in its health programs and activities.
It is the policy of our practice that all physicians and staff preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our patients' Protected Health Information (PHI). This policy is to ensure that our practice and its physician and staff have the necessary medical and PHI to provide the highest quality medical care possible while protecting the confidentiality of our patients' PHI to the greatest degree possible.
Patients should not be afraid to provide information to our practice and its physician and staff for purposes of treatment, payment and health care operations. Our practice will not tolerate violations of the above policy.
Please read the following Notice Of Privacy Policy carefully to know your rights and how we may use your PHI.
Your Rights Regarding Health Information About You
You have the following rights, subject to certain limitations, regarding Health Information we maintain about you:
Right to Inspect and Copy
You have the right to inspect and copy Health Information that may be used to make decisions about your care or payment for your care. We may charge you a fee for the costs of copying, mailing or other supplies associated with your request.
Right to Request Amendments
If you feel that Health Information we have is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information and you must tell us the reason for your request. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for Kern Cardiology Medical Group.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to request an “accounting of disclosures” of Health Information. This is a list of certain disclosures we made of Health Information. The first list you request within a 12 month period will be free. For additional lists, we may charge you for the costs of providing the list.
Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the Health Information we use or disclose for treatment, payment, or health care operations. You also have the right to request a limit on the Health Information we disclose about you to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care, like a family member or friend. We are not required to agree to your request. If we agree, we will comply with your request unless we terminate our agreement or the information is needed to provide you with emergency treatment.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you can ask that we only contact you by mail or at work. Your request must specify how or where you wish to be contacted. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice electronically. You may request a copy of this Notice at any time. You may obtain a copy of this Notice at our web site, http://www.kerncardiology.com
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise your rights described in this Notice (other than to obtain a paper copy of our Notice), send your request, in writing, to our Privacy Officer at the address listed at the end of this Notice. Alternatively, to exercise your right to inspect and copy Health Information, you may contact your physician’s office directly. To obtain a paper copy of our Notice, contact our Privacy Officer by mail.
Changes To This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice. We reserve the right to make the revised or changed Notice effective for Health Information we already have as well as any information we receive in the future. We have a complete copy of this policy in PDF format for you to download.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Kern Cardiology Medical Group or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with Kern Cardiology Medical Group, contact our Privacy Officer at the address listed below. All complaints must be made in writing, dated, and signed (emails are NOT acceptable). You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
Address for Complaint
Complaints Office @ Kern Cardiology Medical Group
4000 Physicians Blvd Building E #101, Bakersfield, CA 93301
How we may use and disclose health information about you
The following categories describe different ways that we may use and disclose Health Information.
For Treatment
We may use Health Information about you to provide you with medical treatment or services. We may disclose Health Information to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students, or other personnel who are involved in taking care of you. For example, a doctor treating you for a broken leg may need to know if you have diabetes, because diabetes may slow the healing process. Different departments of Kern Cardiology Medical Group also may share Health Information, such as prescriptions and lab work, to coordinate your treatment. We also may disclose Health Information to people outside who may be involved in your medical care.
For Payment
We may use and disclose Health Information so that we may bill for treatment and services you receive at Kern Cardiology Medical Group and can collect payment from you, an insurance company or another third party.
For Appointment Reminders/Treatment Alternatives/Health-Related Benefits and Services
We may use and disclose Health Information to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment for treatment or medical care, or to contact you to tell you about possible treatment options or alternatives or health related benefits and services that may be of interest to you.
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care
We may release Health Information to a person who is involved in your medical care or helps pay for your care, such as a family member or friend. We also may notify your family about your location or general condition or disclose such information to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort.
For Health Care Operations
We may use and disclose Health Information for health care operations purposes. These uses and disclosures are necessary to make sure that all of our patients receive quality care and for our operation and management purposes. For example, we may use Health Information to review the treatment and services you receive to check on the performance of our staff in caring for you. We also may disclose information to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students, and other personnel for educational and learning purposes. The entities and individuals covered by this Notice also may share information with each other for purposes of our joint health care operations.
As Required by Law
We will disclose medical information about you when required to do so by international, federal, state or local law.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety
We may use and disclose Health Information when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, will be to someone who may be able to help prevent the threat.
Other Uses of Health Information
Other uses and disclosures of Health Information not covered by this Notice or the laws that apply to us will be made only with your written permission. You may revoke your permission at any time by submitting a written request to our Privacy Officer, except to the extent that we acted in reliance on your permission.
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