Notice of Privacy Practices

In compliance with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), effective April 14, 2003, Ultimate Treatment Zone Physical Therapy, LLC (U.T.Z. P.T.) is informing you of your privacy rights. 

What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is a law passed by Congress in 1996 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.  It requires health care professionals to adhere to privacy and security standards in order to protect their patient’s Protected Health Information (PHI).  PHI includes your medical record as well as your name, social security number, address, and phone number.

What are my rights under HIPAA?
Under HIPAA, you have a right to request the following as long as the request is made in writing.  There is a possibility that your request may be denied.  If your request is denied we will explain why it was denied in writing.

•    You have the right to inspect and/or obtain a copy of your PHI. 
•    You have the right to ask us to amend certain PHI.  If you feel information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete you can request an amendment to your PHI. 
•    You have the right to know what disclosure(s) of your PHI have been made.  You may request an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI we have about you listing all the disclosures we made of your PHI to others.
•    You have a right to request restrictions on the use and disclosure of PHI; however we are not required to agree to your request.  Your request must state specific restrictions requested and to whom the restrictions would apply.
•    You have the right to request confidential communications of PHI.  You may request confidential communications about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location.  For example, you can ask that we only contact you at work.  We will accommodate all reasonable requests.
•    You have the right to receive a copy of this notice.
•    You have the right to restrict disclosure of your PHI to health plans if you elect to pay out of pocket in full for the healthcare or service from U.T.Z. PT.
•    You will be notified if any breach of your PHI occurs.

How will U.T.Z. P.T. use and disclose PHI under HIPAA?
HIPAA allows us to use and disclose your PHI for the purposes of treatment, payment, and other healthcare operations without your authorization.  These uses and disclosures are necessary to operate the health system and ensure patients receive quality care.  Some of the instances in which the use and disclosure of your PHI is allowed without authorization include:
•    We may disclose your PHI to doctors, nurses, technicians, or other healthcare personnel who are involved in your care.
•    We may use or disclose your PHI in relation to payment. 
o    To bill for treatment and services you receive.
o    To collect payment for treatment and services you receive.
o    To obtain benefit information, prior approval for treatment, and other services from your insurance plan.
•    We may use or disclose your protected health information in relation to health system operations.
o    To administer or support our business activities or those of other health care organizations (as allowed by law) including providers and insurance plans.
o    To other individuals and organizations that help us with our business activities.  If we share your PHI with other organizations for this purpose, they also must agree to protect your privacy and may require a signed Business Associate Agreement which can be made available upon request.
•    U.T.Z. PT does not use or disclose PHI for marketing purposes.
•    Be aware that U.T.Z. PT requires patient authorization prior to selling any PHI.
•    Other uses and disclosures not described in this Privacy Notice will be made only with patient authorization.
•    Be Aware that U.T.Z. PT makes every effort to protect your PHI when using Telephone and Electronic Communication.
•    We may also use or disclose your protected health information in the following miscellaneous circumstances:
o    Appointment Reminders – To contact you as a reminder of your next appointment with U.T.Z. P.T.
o    Treatment Alternatives – To tell you about or recommend possible treatment options or alternatives.
o    Individuals Involved in Your Care – To a caregiver who may be a friend or family member involved in your care.
o    As Required By Law – When required to do so by federal, state, or local law.
o    Worker’s Compensation – For workers’ compensation or similar programs.
o    Public Health and Safety – To agencies when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety of the public or another person.
o    Health Oversight Activities – To a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law such as audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure.
o    Lawsuits and Disputes – In response to a court or administrative order, subpoena, discover request or other lawful process, if you are involved in a lawsuit or dispute.
o    Law Enforcement – To law enforcement officials in limited circumstances for law enforcement purposes such as to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness or missing person.
o    Specialized Government Functions – For military/veteran activities and national security/intelligence activities.           
                       
Questions and Complaints
If you have questions/concerns about this notice, please contact U.T.Z. P.T. by phone (520)722-1795 or email (utzpt@comcast.net).