HIPAA Privacy Policy of Stelios C. Wilson MD
Overview:
This document outlines how your medical information may be utilized and shared, and how you can access it. We encourage you to read it thoroughly.
I. Introduction
This Privacy Policy details the practices of Stelios C. Wilson MD regarding patient privacy.
II. Privacy Commitments
Under legal obligations, Stelios C. Wilson MD is committed to protecting your medical and health information (“Protected Health Information” or “PHI”) and informs you of our privacy practices related to PHI. We adhere strictly to the terms of this Policy when handling PHI.
III. Uses and Disclosures of PHI Without Your Explicit Permission
Certain scenarios, explained in Section IV, require your explicit consent for us to use or share your PHI. However, in the following instances, we do not need your permission:
A. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations: Your PHI can be used and shared for your treatment, billing purposes, and health care operations, like internal management, improving quality, and customer service.
B. Sharing with Relatives and Caregivers: We may disclose PHI to identified family members, friends, or caregivers, especially when they are involved in your care or payment for your care. If unavailable, incapacitated, or in emergencies, we may use our judgment to decide if sharing is in your best interest.
C. For Public Health Activities: We may share PHI for public health reasons like disease prevention, reporting abuse or neglect, and dealing with health hazards.
D. For Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence Cases: If we believe you are a victim of such situations, we may disclose PHI to authorized agencies.
E. For Health Oversight: PHI can be shared with health oversight agencies for compliance with health program rules.
F. For Legal and Administrative Proceedings: We may disclose PHI in legal settings as required.
G. To Law Enforcement: PHI can be shared with law enforcement as required or permitted by law.
H. Post-Mortem: PHI can be shared with coroners or medical examiners as per legal requirements.
I. For Organ and Tissue Donation: We may share PHI with related organizations.
J. For Research: We might use or share PHI for research, subject to certain conditions.
K. To Prevent Threats to Health or Safety: We may disclose PHI to prevent serious threats to health or safety.
L. For Specialized Government Functions: PHI can be used for specific government functions like military or diplomatic activities.
M. For Workers’ Compensation: PHI may be disclosed as required by workers’ compensation laws.
N. As Required by Law: We may use or disclose PHI as legally required.
IV. Uses and Disclosures Needing Your Written Permission
A. General Authorization: For uses beyond the ones in Section III, your written permission is needed.
B. Special Authorization: Confidential HIV-related information requires specific written consent, except in limited scenarios.
V. Your Rights
A. Contact and Complaints: For more information or to file a complaint, contact our office or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
B. Requesting Restrictions: You may ask for restrictions on how we use or share your PHI.
C. Confidential Communications: You can request how and where you receive communications from us.
D. Access to Your Information: You have the right to access and request copies of your medical and billing records.
E. Revoking Authorization: You can revoke your consent for using your PHI, with certain limitations.
F. Amending Your Records: You have the right to request amendments to your PHI.
G. Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.
H. Paper Copy of the Notice: You can request a paper copy of this Policy.
VI. Policy Effective Date and Changes
This Policy is effective from January 17, 2024. We reserve the right to modify this Policy, and any changes will apply to all PHI we hold.
VII. Contact Information
For questions or concerns, please contact us at 212-772-1417 or email info@drstelios.com.