Effective: January 01, 2025

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

This Notice of Privacy Practices (“Notice”) describes how we may use or disclose your health information and how you can get access to such information. Please read it carefully. Your “health information,” for purposes of this Notice, is generally any information that identifies you and is created, received, maintained, or transmitted by us in the course of providing health care items or services to you (referred to as “health information” in this Notice).

We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) and other applicable laws to maintain the privacy of your health information, to provide individuals with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to such information, and to abide by the terms of this Notice. We are also required by law to notify affected individuals following a breach of their unsecured health information.

USES AND DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION WITHOUT YOUR AUTHORIZATION

The most common reasons why we use or disclose your health information are for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Examples include:

• Treatment: Setting appointments, eye exams, prescribing glasses/contacts, referrals.

• Payment: Billing, claims, verifying insurance coverage.

• Healthcare Operations: Audits, quality assurance, business planning.

Other Permitted Disclosures Without Authorization
We may use/disclose your health information without consent for:

• Public health reporting (e.g., disease outbreaks).

• Legal requirements (court orders, law enforcement).

• Preventing serious threats to health/safety.

• Worker’s compensation claims.

• Funeral directors/medical examiners.

• Specialized government functions (military, national security).

Upon your death, we may share relevant health information with family involved in your care unless you previously objected.

USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING YOUR AUTHORIZATION

We will obtain your written authorization for:

• Marketing purposes (except face-to-face communication or nominal gifts).

• Sale of health information (we do not currently sell patient data).

• Psychotherapy notes (we do not maintain these).

You may revoke authorizations in writing at any time.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION

You have the right to:

• Request restrictions on uses/disclosures (we are not obligated to agree).

• Receive confidential communications (e.g., alternate contact methods).

• Inspect/copy your health records (fees may apply).

• Request amendments to incorrect/incomplete information.

• Receive an accounting of disclosures (up to 6 years prior).

• Designate another party to receive your health information.

TEXT MESSAGE (SMS) & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS OPT-IN

By providing your phone number or email address, you voluntarily opt in to receive electronic communications from us, including:

• Appointment reminders.

• Health-related notifications.

Consent & Opt-Out Options:

• Opt-In: Your provision of contact information constitutes affirmative consent to receive SMS/email communications.

• Opt-Out:

  • Reply STOP to any SMS to unsubscribe.

  • Notify our office in writing or verbally to opt out of all electronic communications.

• Your decision to opt out will not affect your access to care.

Message frequency varies. Message/data rates may apply.
For help, reply HELP or contact: [afterhourseyedoctors@gmail.com].

COMPLAINTS & CONTACT

Privacy Contact Officer: Dr. Robert S. Fox
If you believe your privacy rights were violated, you may file a complaint with:

1. Our office (no retaliation).

2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We reserve the right to update our privacy practices. Revised Notices will be posted in our office and available upon request.