Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Your privacy is important to us. This notice explains how we protect your health information and what your rights are regarding that information.

Our Legal Duty

Health by Design MD is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI), provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of this notice.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health InformationWe may use or share your health information without your written permission for the following purposes:
● 1. TreatmentTo provide, coordinate, or manage your health care and related services. For example, we may share your health information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
● 2. PaymentTo obtain payment for the services we provide. For example, we may send information to your insurance company for reimbursement (if applicable) or provide you with a receipt for claim submission.
● 3. Healthcare OperationsTo evaluate the quality of care and ensure our clinic is running effectively. For example, we may use your information for internal training or quality assurance purposes.

Other Uses and Disclosures Without Your AuthorizationWe may also share your information in the following situations:● When required by law (e.g., public health reporting, law enforcement, subpoenas)● To prevent or control disease, injury, or disability● For health oversight activities (e.g., audits or inspections)● To avert a serious threat to health or safety● With medical examiners, coroners, or funeral directors - For organ or tissue donation - For workers’ compensation claims● As required for national security or military purposes

Disclosures Requiring Your AuthorizationWe will not use or share your information for purposes not covered in this notice unless you give us written permission. This includes:● Sale of health information● Most sharing of psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to:● Inspect and request a copy of your medical records.● Request a correction if you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete.● Request confidential communication (e.g., by alternate phone or address).● Request restrictions on how we use or disclose your information.● Receive a list of disclosures we’ve made of your PHI (excluding disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations).● Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice at any time.● File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.● To exercise any of these rights, please contact us in writing.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Updates will be posted in our office and on our website, and will apply to all past, present, and future patient information.

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this notice or wish to file a complaint, please contact:
Health by Design MD
Phone: (314) 735-0780
Fax: (314) 735-1625
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.