HIPAA Privacy Notice

Effective Date: September 1, 2023

Introduction

This Privacy Notice is provided to inform you of how your protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed and how you can access and control your PHI. At Dr. Williams Clinic, operated by Lauren MD Practice PLLC, we are dedicated to maintaining the privacy and security of your PHI in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Texas state regulations.

Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

PHI refers to any individually identifiable health information that we collect and maintain about you during the course of your treatment. It includes, but is not limited to, information such as your medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, treatment plans, and billing and payment information.

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:

Maintain the privacy of your PHI.
Provide you with this Privacy Notice outlining our legal duties and privacy practices.
Abide by the terms of this Privacy Notice.

How We Use and Disclose Your PHI

Your PHI may be used and disclosed for the following purposes:

Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to provide you with psychiatric services. For example, we may share your PHI with our healthcare professionals involved in your care and treatment.
Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to process payments and insurance claims related to our services.
Healthcare Operations: Your PHI may be used for healthcare operations such as quality improvement and training of our staff.
Communication: We may use your PHI to communicate with you about appointments, treatment plans, and other healthcare-related matters.
Legal Obligations: We may disclose your PHI as required by law or in response to valid court orders, subpoenas, or legal proceedings.
Research: Your PHI may be used for research purposes with your explicit consent or when your data is anonymized.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) - Cerbo

We utilize an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system called Cerbo to maintain and manage your PHI. Cerbo is designed to ensure the confidentiality and security of your PHI and is compliant with HIPAA regulations.

Your Rights

As a patient, you have certain rights regarding your PHI:

Right to Access: You have the right to request access to your PHI.
Right to Rectification: You can request the correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete PHI.
Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your PHI under certain circumstances.
Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to limit the processing of your PHI.
Right to Data Portability: Upon request, we can provide you with a copy of your PHI in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your PHI based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding your PHI or this Privacy Notice, please contact our Privacy Officer at:

LaurenMD Practice PLLC

108 Wild Basin Rd South Suite 250, Austin, TX, 78746

Phone: 512-529-7644

Fax: 866-227-1222

Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may update this Privacy Notice to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any material changes will be communicated through our website or other means.

Acknowledgment

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have received and understood this Privacy Notice.

We will retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. We will also retain your information as required for legal, regulatory, or accounting purposes.

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