PRIVACY POLICY

Dr. Collins prioritizes the privacy and security of your personal information and handles it in accordance with applicable laws. This document explains how your medical information may be used and shared, and how you can access it. Please read it carefully. This privacy policy is currently effective and was last updated on 03/19/2024.

Use of Your Health Information:

As your healthcare provider, I am authorized to use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Some scenarios in which I may share your health information are as follows:

1. Insurance: If you use insurance to reimburse for services, I may need to share information such as your diagnoses and treatment dates with your insurer. I will provide as little information as needed during these circumstances and notify you in advance.

2. Safety/Emergencies: I am permitted to disclose your health information to public health agencies to prevent disease, report abuse or neglect, or protect you or others in emergency situations. Unless you object, I may release health information to a friend or family member who is directly involved in your medical care as well. In general, this will only be done in an emergency or with your consent.

3. Legal: In some cases, I may be required by law to disclose my information for administrative or legal proceedings, either with your authorization or as directed by a court order.

4. Coordination of Care: With your permission/consent, I may also speak to other providers on your care team to benefit your treatment and provide holistic care.

Communications:

I make every effort to protect patient confidentiality in all communications. Although I provide a HIPAA-compliant patient portal as a potential avenue of communication with patients, the security of electronic communication can never be 100% secure and may be retrievable by unintended third parties. I cannot guarantee full protection against potential unknown/illegal/unauthorized privacy violations. In general, email communication or phone messages are less secure than communicating via the patient portal. If you initiate an email or phone message that includes sensitive information, you will be responsible for any privacy- related outcomes of this communication.

Your Health Information Rights:

You have rights regarding your health information. You can request restrictions on how it is used and shared, inspect and copy my records, appeal a denial of access, amend incomplete or incorrect information, and request alternative means of communication. You can also request an accounting of disclosures or revoke previous authorizations. You can tell me your preferences in situations where I would typically share your information to support your care. If you are unable to communicate your preferences, I may share your information if I believe it is in your best interest. If you think your rights are being denied, you have the right to file a complaint with your insurer or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.