When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This section explains your rights and some of our responsibilities to help you.
Get a copy of your health and claims records
Ask us to correct health and claims records
Request confidential communications
Ask us to limit what we use or share
Get a list of those with whom we’ve shared information
Get a copy of this privacy notice
Choose someone to act for you
File a complaint if you feel your rights are violated
For certain health information, you can tell us your choices about what we share. If you have a clear preference for how we share your information in the situations described below, talk to us. Tell us what you want us to do, and we will follow your instructions.
In these cases, you have both the right and choice to tell us to:
If you are not able to tell us your preference, for example if you are unconscious, we may go ahead and share your information if we believe it is in your best interest. We may also share your information when needed to lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
In these cases we never share your information unless you give us written permission:
How do we typically use or share your health information? We typically use or share your health information in the following ways.
Help manage the health care treatment you receive
Example: A doctor sends us information about your diagnosis and treatment plan so we can arrange additional services.
Run our organization
Example: We use health information about you to develop better services for you.
Pay for your health services
Example: We share information about you with your dental plan to coordinate payment for your dental work.
Administer your plan
Example: Your company contracts with us to provide a health plan, and we provide your company with certain statistics to explain the premiums we charge.
We are allowed or required to share your information in other ways – usually in ways that contribute to the public good, such as public health and research. We have to meet many conditions in the law before we can share your information for these purposes. For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html.
Help with public health and safety issues
We can share health information about you for certain situations such as: Preventing disease
Do research
Comply with the law
Respond to organ and tissue donation requests and work with a medical examiner or funeral director
Address workers’ compensation, law enforcement, and other government requests
We can use or share health information about you:
Respond to lawsuits and legal actions
For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.
We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, on our web site, and we will mail a copy to you.