Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 11/25/2024

Introduction

Dr. Charles Hinz D.O. P.C. is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle your Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.

Information We Collect

We collect and maintain various types of PHI, including: Identifiers such as name, address, birth date, and Social Security Number (SSN)

1.Information about your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition​ Details of health care services provided to you​ Information related to the payment for health care services

2. How We Use and Disclose Your Information We may use and disclose your PHI for the following purposes: Treatment: Sharing information with doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers involved in your care. Payment: Processing billing and payment for health care services.​ Health Care Operations: Conducting administrative and operational tasks to improve the quality of care.

3. Your Rights You have the following rights regarding your PHI: Access: You can request to examine and obtain a copy of your medical records, including electronic copies.​ Amendments: You can request corrections to your medical records if you believe they are inaccurate or incomplete.​ Restrictions: You can request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI, particularly if you paid for a service out-of-pocket in full.​Confidential Communications: You can request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location.

4. Safeguarding Your Information We implement various measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI, including: Developing and following privacy and security policies training employees on privacy and security practices While we strive to protect your PHI, incidental disclosures may occur. These are not considered HIPAA violations as long as reasonable safeguards are in place

5. Breach Notification In the event of a PHI breach, we will notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, if necessary, the media, without unreasonable delay and no later than 60 days after discovering the breach.

Compliance and Enforcement​

We comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations. The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces these rules, and violations may result in civil and criminal penalties.​

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the effective date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your PHI, please contact us at:

Dr. Charles Hinz D.O. P.C.
61-08 Linden Street Ridgewood NY 11385
718-384-1834
Hinzfamilymed@optonline.net