Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: March, 01 2025
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS IT. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
At Neurolink Chiropractic, we understand that your medical information is personal and are committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we collect, use, and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI), your rights regarding your PHI, and our legal obligations.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact our office.
1. How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information
Under HIPAA, we are permitted to use and disclose your PHI for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without obtaining separate authorization. Below are examples of how we may use or share your information:
A. Treatment
- We use your medical information to provide care and coordinate services, including consultations with other healthcare providers, referrals, and recommendations related to your treatment plan.
- If necessary, we may share information with other medical professionals, such as physical therapists, imaging centers, or laboratories, to ensure continuity of care.
B. Payment
- We use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services provided. This may involve sharing information with insurance companies, billing companies, or other third-party payers to process claims.
- If you have out-of-pocket expenses, we may use your information to notify you of outstanding balances.
C. Healthcare Operations
- We may use your information to evaluate and improve our services, ensure quality care, and comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
- This may include staff training, audits, compliance reviews, and credentialing processes.
D. Appointment Reminders & Office Communications
- We may contact you via phone, email, text, or mail regarding upcoming appointments, treatment follow-ups, or office updates.
- If you prefer confidential communications through a specific method, you may request this in writing.
E. Public Health & Legal Requirements
We may be required to share your medical information under certain legal circumstances, including:
- Reporting communicable diseases to public health authorities.
- Complying with court orders, subpoenas, or legal investigations.
- Assisting law enforcement when required by law.
- Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence to appropriate agencies.
F. Workers’ Compensation & Workplace Injuries
- If your care is related to a work-related injury, we may disclose necessary information to workers’ compensation insurers, case managers, or employers as permitted by law.
G. Research & Healthcare Innovations
- We do not sell your health information or share it for marketing purposes without your written authorization.
- Any participation in research studies or healthcare initiatives will require your explicit written consent.
2. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
A. Right to Access & Copy Your Medical Records
- You have the right to review and request copies of your medical records, billing information, and health history maintained by Neurolink Chiropractic.
- Requests must be submitted in writing, and a reasonable administrative fee may apply for copies.
B. Right to Amend Your Records
- If you believe that your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment in writing.
- We will review the request but are not required to make changes if we determine the record is accurate.
C. Right to Confidential Communications
- You may request that we communicate with you through a specific method (e.g., email, phone, or mail) or at a specific location for privacy reasons.
- We will accommodate reasonable requests.
D. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
- You may request a list of times we have shared your PHI for non-routine disclosures that do not involve treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
- This request must be in writing and covers disclosures within the last six years.
E. Right to Restrict Disclosures
- You may request that we not share your information with certain individuals, organizations, or insurance providers.
- We are not legally required to accept all restriction requests, but we will review them on a case-by-case basis.
F. Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice
- You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time, even if you have previously agreed to electronic delivery.
3. Privacy & Security of Your Health Information
A. Protection Against Unauthorized Access
- We take reasonable measures to safeguard your medical records and PHI from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
- Our staff is trained to comply with HIPAA privacy regulations.
B. Breach Notification
- If a data breach involving your unsecured PHI occurs, we will notify you in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
4. Changes to This Notice of Privacy Practices
We reserve the right to update this Notice at any time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available:
- In our office reception area.
- On our website: Via this page.
- Upon request via email or mail.
Any significant changes will be communicated via updates to this page.
5. How to File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may:
- Contact our Privacy Officer at [Insert Contact Information] to discuss your concerns.
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR):
- Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/
- Email: [email protected]
You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this Notice of Privacy Practices, you may contact our office directly at:
Neurolink Chiropractic
177 Bovet Rd., Suite 150
San Mateo, CA 94402
Please address your letter to the Office Manager or Dr. Quarneri directly.