This is a summary of the Notice of Privacy Practices for Auburn Therapy and Learning Center (Auburn TLC This document describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI), and how you may access this information. This summary applies to the clinical programs of Auburn TLC including (but not limited to) speech-language pathology and occupation therapy clients. These policies are effective as of October 31, 2017. Please review this document carefully.
The Privacy Rule requires that we protect the privacy of health information that identifies patients, or when there is reasonable basis to believe, the information can be used to identify a patient. This Notice describes your rights as a patient and our obligations regarding the use and disclosure of PHI.
Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment and Health Care Operations Auburn TLC may use or disclose your personal health information (PHI) for treatment, payment and health care operations without your consent. To clarify this information, please see definitions for some commonly used terms below:
"PHI" refers to protected health information in your healthcare record that could identify you.
"Treatment, payment and healthcare operations"
Treatment is when Auburn TLC provides, coordinates or manages your healthcare and/or other services related to your healthcare.
Example: We may consult and share PHI with another health care and/or educational provider in connection with your diagnosis and treatment, or if you are referred to another health care provider.
Payment is when Auburn TLC receives reimbursement for your healthcare.
Example: We may use or disclose PHI with another party to obtain reimbursement for your care, or to obtain information about eligibility or coverage.
Health Care Operations are activities that relate to the performance and operation of Auburn TLC. Example: We may mail reminders, or leave phone messages asking you to return our call, or to remind you of an appointment.
Example: We may provide PHI to student clinicians of local universities as a part of their training and educational program.
Example: We may disclose PHI if you pose a danger to yourself and/or others.
"Use" applies to activities that occur within Auburn TLC such as sharing, employing, applying, utilizing, examining, and analyzing information that may identify you.
"Disclosure" refers to activities that occur outside Auburn TLC. These are things such as releasing, transferring or providing access to information to other parties about you.
We may disclose your PHI to you.
We may use or disclose your PHI in order to treat you, obtain payment for services rendered, or operate Auburn TLC.
Other uses and disclosures may be made without your consent if the law requires us to release PHI.
Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization
When Auburn TLC is asked to disclose information for purposes other than treatment, payment or health care operations as they relate to our facility, Auburn TLC will obtain written authorization from you before releasing PHI. This authorization will also be required prior to releasing your Clinical Record. To clarify please see the definition of authorization below:
"Authorization" is written permission given by the patient or legal guardian above and beyond the general consent already allowed.