THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Overview

At Mercy Health and Counseling, serving both New York and Texas, we are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. We understand that your health information is personal, and we are dedicated to keeping it safe. We use your health information to provide you with high-quality care, to manage payment for our services, and for essential administrative purposes that help us continually improve what we do.

This document outlines our privacy practices, legal responsibilities, and your rights regarding your protected health information (PHI). We want you to feel informed and confident about how your information is used and to understand your rights regarding that information.

We may update our privacy practices occasionally, and we will apply those updates to all existing health information. This Notice applies to all our services provided in both New York and Texas. You can always request the most recent version of our Notice, and if there are any substantial changes, we will provide you with an updated copy.

Our Privacy Practices

Use and Disclosure

We may use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations:

  • Treatment: Your health information helps us provide quality care. For example, if your counselor needs to consult with another healthcare provider, they may share relevant details to ensure you receive the best treatment possible.

  • Payment: Your information may be used to bill you or a third-party payer, like your insurance company, for services rendered. This might include sharing details about your treatment so that the insurer can approve and process payment.

  • Health Care Operations: We also use your information to maintain and improve our services. This might involve quality assessments, staff training, licensing, or accreditation activities that help us deliver effective care.

Authorizations

We will only use or disclose your health information for purposes beyond those listed here if you provide written authorization. You have the right to revoke your authorization at any time, but please note that any prior disclosures made based on that authorization cannot be undone.

Patient Access

You have the right to access your health information. You may also permit us to share your information with family members, friends, or others involved in your care, especially in emergencies. In cases where you are unable to provide consent, we will use our best judgment to act in your best interest, such as allowing a family member to pick up your medication.

Locating Responsible Parties

In situations where it may be necessary, we may disclose your health information to locate or notify a family member or another person responsible for your care. If we can obtain your consent, we will ask for it; otherwise, we will use our professional judgment to determine the most appropriate action.

Disasters

Your health information may be used to help locate or contact you during disaster relief efforts, assisting in identifying your needs and making sure you receive appropriate care.

Required by Law

Sometimes, we are required by law to share your information. This could include situations involving public health activities, compliance with a court order, or assisting with law enforcement inquiries.

Deceased Persons

After your passing, we may share relevant information with a coroner, medical examiner, funeral director, or organ donation organization to support their activities as needed by law.

Research

We may use your health information for research purposes, but only in situations where strict privacy safeguards are in place and the research has been approved to ensure the protection of your information.

Military and National Security

If required by law, we may share your health information with military authorities or for national security purposes.

Appointments and Communication

We may contact you to remind you about appointments or provide you with information on treatment options or health-related services that might benefit you. This applies to services in both New York and Texas. We want to ensure you are well-informed and supported throughout your care.

Your Individual Rights

  • Access and Copies: You can request access to or copies of your health information. To do this, please contact our Privacy Officer. A small fee may apply to cover the cost of copying.

  • Disclosure Accounting: You have the right to request a record of disclosures made beyond treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. This accounting is available once per year at no cost, but subsequent requests may incur a fee.

  • Additional Restrictions: You can request that we restrict certain uses or disclosures of your information. While we are not always obligated to agree, if we do, we will honor those restrictions.

  • Alternate Communications: If you prefer to receive information in a particular way or at a specific location, we will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.

  • Amendments to PHI: If you believe that any part of your health information is incorrect, you have the right to request an amendment. We may deny the request if we believe the record is accurate, but we will explain our decision and allow you to provide a statement of disagreement.

  • Copy of Notice of Privacy Practices: You have the right to request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you received it electronically. Contact our Privacy Officer, and we will be happy to provide you with a copy.

Our Obligations

We are committed to:

  • Maintaining the privacy and security of your health information.

  • Providing you with this Notice that explains our legal duties and privacy practices.

  • Following the terms of this Notice.

  • Informing you if we cannot accommodate a requested restriction.

  • Accommodating reasonable requests for confidential communications.

  • Obtaining your written authorization for uses or disclosures not covered by this Notice.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with us, please contact our Privacy Officer. We are committed to protecting your privacy and will never retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

At Mercy Health and Counseling, protecting your privacy is part of our commitment to providing the best care possible. If you have questions or concerns about your privacy rights, please reach out to us. We’re here to help and support you on your journey to better health.