HIPAA
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Elevé Esthetics is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations to:
- Maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI)
- Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding your PHI
- Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect
- Notify you following a breach of your unsecured PHI
What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
Protected health information is individually identifiable health information, including demographic data, that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition; the provision of healthcare to you; or the past, present, or future payment for healthcare. PHI includes information maintained in any form — electronic, paper, or oral.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:
Treatment: We may use your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care and related services. This includes sharing information with other healthcare providers, specialists, pharmacies, or laboratories involved in your care. For example, if you are referred to a specialist, we may share relevant medical information to ensure coordinated treatment.
Payment: We may use and disclose your health information to bill and collect payment for your treatments and services. This may include sharing information with your health insurance company, health plan, or third-party financing providers (such as Affirm or Cherry) as needed to obtain payment.
Healthcare Operations: We may use your health information for our internal business operations, including:
- Quality assessment and improvement activities
- Staff training and credentialing
- Business management and general administrative activities
- Compliance audits and legal consultations
- Customer service and appointment scheduling
Appointment Reminders and Health-Related Communications: We may contact you to provide appointment reminders, treatment follow-up information, or information about health-related benefits, services, or treatment alternatives that may be of interest to you.
As Required by Law: We will disclose your health information when required to do so by applicable federal, state, or local law, including reporting requirements for public health, law enforcement, judicial proceedings, or government oversight.
Public Health and Safety: We may disclose your PHI to prevent a serious threat to your health or safety or the health or safety of others, to public health authorities, or as otherwise required for public health activities.
Workers’ Compensation: We may disclose your PHI as authorized by and necessary to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes other than those described above, including:
- Marketing communications (except face-to-face communications and promotional gifts of nominal value)
- Sale of your PHI
- Most uses of psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
You may revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written request to our Privacy Officer. Revocation will not affect any disclosures we made in reliance on your prior authorization.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the following rights with respect to your PHI:
Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information maintained in our records. To make a request, submit it in writing to our Privacy Officer. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing. We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request.
Right to Request Amendment: If you believe your health information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment. Submit your request in writing with an explanation of why the amendment is needed. We may deny your request under certain circumstances but will provide you with a written explanation.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and certain other activities. The request must be in writing and specify the time period (not to exceed six years prior to the date of the request).
Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We are not required to agree to your request unless you are requesting a restriction on disclosures to a health plan for services you have paid for in full out of pocket.
Right to Request Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health information in a particular way or at a specific location. For example, you may ask that we contact you only by mail or at a specific phone number. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice: You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have previously agreed to receive it electronically. You may request a copy from our front desk or Privacy Officer.
Right to Be Notified of a Breach: You have the right to be notified if there is a breach of your unsecured PHI. We will notify you as required by law.
Our Responsibilities
Elevé Esthetics is required to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information
- Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect
- Notify you if we are unable to agree to a requested restriction on how your information is used or disclosed
- Notify you if there is a breach of your unsecured PHI
We will not use or disclose your health information without your authorization, except as described in this notice.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint. You will not be penalized, retaliated against, or denied treatment for filing a complaint.
To file a complaint with our practice: Elevé Esthetics —7371 Assateague Dr suite 320, Jessup, MD 20794, Phone: (301) 760-2192 Email: concierge@elevemedspamd.com
To file a complaint with the federal government: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Toll-free: 1-877-696-6775 Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change the terms of this notice and to make the revised provisions effective for all PHI we maintain. If we make material changes, we will post the revised notice in our office and on our website with a new “Last Updated” date. You may request a copy of the current notice at any time.
Contact Information
For questions about this notice, our privacy practices, or to exercise any of your rights described above, please contact:
Elevé Esthetics — 7371 Assateague Dr suite 320, Jessup, MD 20794, Phone: (301) 760-2192 Email: concierge@elevemedspamd.com