No health or other sensitive information is collected on this website. Personal identifying information collected through the website is only used for the purpose of communication between our practice and patients or people who have requested information, and will never be shared with or sold to any third party.
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how health information about you (as a patient of this practice) may be used and disclosed, and how you can gain access to your individually identifiable health information.
At Blue Sky Pediatrics, we understand the importance of safeguarding your child’s health information and value the trust you place in us when seeking healthcare services. We are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your child’s personal health information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws. This Notice of Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your child’s health information and your rights regarding that information.
What Information We Collect
We collect and maintain personal health information, including, but not limited to:
- Your child’s medical history and treatment information
- Personal identification information (name, address, date of birth)
- Billing and payment details
- Health insurance information
- Any other information related to healthcare services provided
How We Use and Share Information
The following categories describe the different ways in which we may use and disclose your PHI, unless you object:
- Our Practice may use your PHI to treat you. For example, we may ask you to have laboratory tests (such as blood or urine tests), and we may use the results to help us reach a diagnosis. We might use your PHI in order to write a prescription for you, or we might disclose your PHI to a pharmacy when we order a prescription for you. Our staff may use or disclose your PHI in order to treat your or to assist others in your treatment. Additionally, we may disclose your PHI to others who may assist in your care, such as other healthcare providers, your spouse, your children, or your parents.
- Our Practice may use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for the services and products you may receive from us. We do not participate or bill insurance, so we do not disclose your information for the purpose of being reimbursed by insurance. However, we may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment from those that may be responsible for such costs, such as family members
- Health Care Operations. The Practice may use and disclose your PHI to operate our business. As examples of the ways in which we may use and disclose your information for our operations, our Practice may use your PHI to evaluate the quality of care you received from us, to develop protocols and clinical guidelines, to develop training programs, and to aid in credentialing, medical review, legal services, and insurance
- Appointment Reminders. The Practice may use and disclose your PHI to contact you and remind you of an appointment
- Release of Information to Family/Friends. The Practice may release your PHI when necessary, to a friend or family member that is involved in your care. For example, a parent or guardian may ask that a babysitter take their child to the pediatrician’s office for treatment of a cold. In this example, the babysitter may have access to this child’s medical information.
- Disclosures Required by Law. The Practice will use and disclose your PHI when we are required to do so by federal, state, or local law or regulation.
Your Rights Regarding Health Information
You have certain rights regarding your child’s health information. These rights include:
- Confidential Communications. You have the right to request that our Practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than work. To request a specific type of confidential communication, you must make a written request to the Privacy Officer, identifying the requested method of contact, or location where you wish to be contacted. Our Practice will accommodate reasonable requests. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
- Requesting Restrictions. You have the right to request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your PHI to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.
- Inspection and Copies. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the PHI that may be used to make decisions about you and your care, including your billing and medical records, but not your psychotherapy notes. We may charge a fee for the costs of copying, mailing, labor and supplies associated with your request. We may deny your request to inspect and/or copy in certain limited circumstances; however, you may request a review of our denial. The review shall be conducted by different licensed health care professional of our choosing.
- You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and you may request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for our Practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to the Privacy Officer. You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment. Our Practice will deny your request if you fail to submit your request (and the reason supporting your request) in writing.
- Paper Copy of this Notice. You may receive a paper copy of our notice of privacy practices anytime, upon request by contacting the Privacy Officer.
- Filing a Complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Practice. To file a complaint, contact our privacy officer at the address provided above. All complaints must be submitted in writing, and you will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
- Right to Provide an Authorization for Other Uses and Disclosures. Our Practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law. You have the right, at any time, to revoke your authorization to disclose your PHI. Simply send a written notice of revocation to the Privacy Officer at the address provided above. After you revoke your authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your PHI for the reasons described in the authorization. Please note, we are required to retain records of your care.
How We Protect Your Information
We implement physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your child’s health information. Our staff members are trained to handle health information with care, and we regularly update our security measures to address potential risks.