Our office is dedicated to protecting the privacy rights of our patients and the confidential information entrusted to us. The commitment of each employee to ensure that your health information is never compromised is a principal concept of our practice. We may, from time to time, amend our privacy policies and practices as it pertains to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of the state of Washington laws on privacy. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your rights. 

Protecting Your Personal Healthcare Information:

We use and disclose the information we collect from you only as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the state of Washington. This includes issues relating to your treatment, payment and our health care operations. Your personal health information will never be given to anyone without your consent. You, of course, may give written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose, for any purpose. 

Our offices and electronic systems are secure from unauthorized access. Our employees are trained to make every effort to keep the confidentiality of your records protected as required by law. Our privacy policy and practices apply to all former, current and future patients. 

Collecting Protected Health Information

We will only request personal information needed to provide our standard of high-quality health care, implement payment activities, conduct normal health practice operations and comply with the law. This may include your name, address, telephone numbers, Social Security Number, employment data, medical history, health records, etc. While most of the information will be collected for you, we may obtain information from third parties if it is deemed necessary. Regardless of the source, your personal information will always be protected to the full extent of the law. 

Disclosure of your Protected Health Information:

As stated above, we may disclose information as allowed/required by law. We are obligated to provide information to law enforcement and governmental offices under certain circumstances. We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your written consent. 

We may use and/or disclose your health information to communicate reminders about your appointments including, but not limited to, voicemail messages, answering machines and postcards.

Patient Rights:

You have the right to request copies of your healthcare information; to request copies in a variety of formats; and to request a list of instances in which we, or our business associates, have disclosed your protected information for uses other than state above. All such requests must be in writing. We may charge for your copies in an amount allowed by law. If you believe your right have been violated, we urge you to notify us immediately. You can also notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

We thank you for being a patient at our office. Please let us know if you have any questions concerning your privacy rights and the protection of your personal health information.