Like other industries, healthcare is using computer and other electronic systems to process communications, claims, and payment process. Privacy standards were developed to protect and secure your personal, financial, and health information. The attached notice of privacy covers how information known by the healthcare provider can be used and disclosed.
How Medical information will be routinely used and disclosed:
Your Rights Regarding your medical information. You can:
Situational uses and disclosures of medical information
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review carefully.
This notice describes how your medical information may be used and how we may disclose it to others involved in your care. It also describes your rights concerning your medical information.
Medical information is defined as the contents of your medical record, your billing record, and other records we use to make decisions about your care. Examples include progress notes, test results, medications, x-rays, and the information obtained to process the billing.
What are the routine uses and disclosures of your medical information?
Treatment: Treatment includes the medical services and supplies provided to you. We will use and disclose your medical information to others who need it to treat you, such as doctors, nurses, technicians, and any others involved in your care. For example, your physician will have access to your medical record to assist in your treatment and for follow-up care.
Business Operations: We may use and disclose your medical information to improve the care and service we provide or to improve our procedures, including quality improvement activities, billing audits, accounting, legal services, business management, and business planning.
Family Members and Others involved in your care: Medical information may be disclosed to a family member or friend who is involved in your medical care. It may also be disclosed to someone who help to pay for your care. Medical information may also be disclosed to disaster relief organizations to help locate individuals during a disaster. If you do not want AirCARE1 to disclose your medical information to family members or others, please notify your care provider.
Payment: Medical information will be used and disclosed for AirCARE1 to be paid for the services you receive. For example, your health plan or health insurance company may see parts of your medical record before paying for your treatment.
Disclosure in special circumstances: In any other situation not covered by this notice, we will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing your medical information. If you choose to authorize use, you can later revoke that authorization by notifying us in writing of your decision.
To request your medical information: You have the right to look at and obtain a copy of your medical information. The original belongs to AirCARE1. To request a copy of your medical information please contact AirCARE1 at PO Box 14628, Albuquerque, NM 87191. You may view your record at no charge in our business office during normal business hours.
To Request amendment of Medical Information: If you believe that information in your record is incorrect or if important information is missing, you have the right to request correction of the records by submitting a request in writing along with your reason for requesting the amendment. We could deny your request to amend a record if the information was not created by us; if it is not a part of the medical information we maintained; if it is not part of the information you would be permitted to review or copy; or if we determine the record is accurate, you may appeal in writing, a decision by us not to amend a record.
To get a list of certain disclosures of your medical information: You have the right to obtain a list of disclosure other than those for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. To receive such a list, write to AirCARE1.
To request restrictions on how AirCARE1 will use or disclose your medical information for treatment, payment, or health care operations: You have the right to ask us not to use or disclose your medical information to treat you, or to seek payment for care. We are not required to agree to your request, but if we do agree, we will follow that agreement.
To Request Confidential Communications: You have the right to ask us to communicate with you in a way you feel is more private. For example, you can ask us not to call your home, but to communicate by other means. To do this, notify your care provider.
How are special situations handled?
Required by law: Federal, state, or local laws sometimes require us to disclose information. We are required to report child abuse or neglect and must provide information to law enforcement officials in domestic violence cases. We are also required to report information to the Worker’s Compensation program regarding work-related injuries.
Where you can express a concern: If you are concerned that your privacy rights may have been violated or disagree with a decision made about access to your records, you may contact AirCARE1 at 1-877-760-7760. You may also send a written complaint to the U S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. Under no circumstances will you be penalized or retaliated against for fling a complaint.