This notice explains how Shamrock Acupuncture PLLC and its associates protect your health information and outlines your rights regarding it. We are legally required to provide this notice of our privacy practices. Please review it carefully.
Your Right to Notice
As a patient, you are entitled to receive adequate notice about how your protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we may use your PHI for:
a) Treatment – We may share your health information with physicians or other healthcare providers involved in your care.
b) Payment – We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for the services we provide.
c) Healthcare Operations – We may use your health information for activities such as quality assessments, staff evaluations, training programs, accreditation, certification, licensing, and other operational purposes.
Your Authorization
Uses and disclosures of your health information that fall outside treatment, payment, or healthcare operations require your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time.
Emergency Situations
In emergencies or when you are incapacitated, we may use our professional judgment to share relevant health information with family members or others involved in your care.
Marketing Communications
Your health information will not be used for marketing purposes without your explicit written consent.
Required Disclosures
We may disclose your health information under the following circumstances:
- As Required by Law – For legal or regulatory compliance.
- Abuse or Neglect – If we believe you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, or if necessary to avert a serious threat to health or safety.
- National Security – For lawful intelligence, counterintelligence, or other national security purposes, including disclosures related to military personnel and inmates.
Appointment Reminders and Follow-Up Communication
We may use your health information to send appointment reminders or follow-up communications via phone, voicemail, email, text (SMS), or letter.
Your Rights as a Patient
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
a) Restriction Requests – You may request (in writing) restrictions on the use or disclosure of your PHI. However, we may deny requests if the information is necessary for treatment, payment, or operations.
b) Confidential Communications – You have the right to request confidential communications regarding your PHI.
c) Access to Information – You may inspect and request copies of your PHI. Written requests will be processed within 30 days.
d) Amendments – You may request updates to your PHI to ensure accuracy. Keeping your health information up to date allows us to provide the best care.
e) Account of Disclosures – You may request a record of disclosures of your PHI. This will be provided within 30 days of a written request.
f) Paper Copy of This Notice – You have the right to request a paper copy of this Privacy Practices notice.
Legal Requirements
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI and to abide by the terms of this notice. We reserve the right to update our privacy practices and will post any changes in our office before they take effect.
Complaints
We strive to treat our patients with care and respect. If you have concerns about the handling of your PHI, please contact us. Your feedback helps us improve our services.
Contact Information
For further information about our privacy practices or to submit a complaint, please contact:
Shamrock Acupuncture PLLC
3010 Williams Dr #168,
Georgetown, TX 78628
512-270-0393
Thank you for trusting us with your care. Your privacy is our priority.