This notice explains how your health information may be used or shared, and how you can access it. Please read it carefully. At Audace Psychiatry and Mental Health, protecting your privacy is very important to us. A federal and state law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) took effect on April 14, 2003. This law requires us to protect your health information, provide this notice, and follow the rules listed here.

We work hard to keep your health information safe and confidential. The law allows us to use or share your health information with people who are involved in your care. For example, another provider may review your file to help plan or continue your treatment.

We may also use or share your information to receive payment for your services. For example, we might send a progress report to your insurance company. We may use your information for regular office activities like entering your records into our system or working with billing companies. These companies, called business associates, must also keep your information private. We have written agreements with them to make sure they follow the law.

We may contact you using the information you provide, such as your phone number or email. We might send newsletters or reminders about upcoming appointments. If you are not available, we may leave a message on your voicemail or with someone who answers the phone unless you have told us not to. In emergencies, we may give your information to a family member or someone helping with your care. We may also release some or all of your health information if required by law.

If our practice is sold to another provider, your health information will become the property of the new owner. The new owner must follow the same privacy rules. Except for the uses described above, we will not use or share your information without your written permission. You can also ask us in writing not to share specific information. We will let you know if we are able to agree to your request.

You have several rights when it comes to your health information. You have the right to know how we use or share it beyond normal uses. You may ask us to contact you at a certain phone number or address. You can also ask us to send your health records to another provider. You have the right to see or get a copy of your health records. You may also request a change or correction to your records. Please send your request to us in writing. If we do not make the change, we will include your written request in your file. If we do make a change, we will add the new information without removing the original documents.

You have the right to receive a copy of this privacy notice. If we change anything in the notice, we will let you know in writing. If you believe your privacy has been violated, you can file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services at:

Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F
Washington, DC 20201

If you need help with a privacy concern, please email us at [email protected] or visit your clinic’s webpage https://audacepsychiatry.com to find the correct contact information.