Welcome to Cedars Counseling, where safeguarding your privacy is paramount. We understand the importance of confidentiality when it comes to your health information, which is why we adhere strictly to federal and state regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) enacted on April 14, 2003.
Our commitment to your privacy means that we are dedicated to keeping your health information secure and confidential. We are obligated by law to provide you with this notice, ensuring transparency about how your information may be utilized and disclosed.
Under HIPAA, we may share your health information with those directly involved in your treatment, such as specialist physicians, to ensure comprehensive care planning. Additionally, for payment purposes, we may disclose your information to your health insurance provider, facilitating the financial aspects of your services.
Furthermore, in the course of our regular healthcare operations, like data entry or communicating with our business associates such as billing representatives, we may need to share your medical information. Rest assured, every business associate we engage with is bound by a contract that mandates the protection of your privacy.
We may also use your information to contact you, whether it’s sending informative newsletters or reminding you of appointments via phone or messaging. However, we always respect your preferences regarding communication methods.
In emergency situations, we may disclose your health information to ensure your well-being, such as sharing pertinent details with family members or caregivers. Additionally, if required by law, we may release your health information, but we do so with utmost discretion.
In the event of a practice transition, where Cedars Counseling changes ownership, your information will be transferred accordingly. However, outside of the circumstances mentioned above, we will not use or disclose your health information without your explicit written authorization.
We respect your rights concerning the usage and disclosure of your health information beyond standard practices. Rest assured, we will always use your preferred address or telephone number when contacting you. Additionally, you retain the right to transfer your health records to another healthcare provider, as well as the right to access and obtain copies of your health information.
Should you wish to request any changes or amendments to your health information, please provide us with a written request. If you desire to include a personal statement in your file, kindly submit it in writing, and we will endeavor to accommodate your request. While we reserve the discretion to accept or deny amendments, if approved, we will ensure that your statement is included without altering previous documents, but by adding supplementary information.
You are entitled to receive a copy of this notice, and in the event of any modifications to its contents, we will promptly inform you in writing. If you have any concerns regarding your privacy or seek further assistance regarding your health information, please contact Cedars Counseling Mental Health’s Compliance Department at compliance@cedarscounseling.com. Furthermore, if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the option to file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Thank you for entrusting us with your care. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding our privacy practices, please do not hesitate to reach out.