HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

1. Introduction

This notice outlines your protected health information, how it may be used, and what your rights are. Please review it carefully and ask any questions before signing.

Questions about this notice may be directed to Better Me Bariatrics at 30 N Gould St, Ste. R, Sheridan, WY 82801; by phone at (240) 263-0309; or by email at care@bettermejourney.com.

2. Our Pledge Regarding Protected Health Information

Better Me Bariatrics understands that protected health information about you and your health is personal. We are committed to protecting health information about you.

This Notice applies to records generated by Better Me Bariatrics, whether created by Better Me Bariatrics personnel or partnered doctors. It explains how we may use and disclose protected health information, your rights, and our obligations regarding that information.

3. Our Legal Responsibilities

• We are required to make sure protected health information that identifies you is kept private.
• We must notify you about how we protect protected health information about you.
• We must explain how, when, and why we use and disclose protected health information.
• We must follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
• We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and make revised provisions effective for all protected health information we maintain. Revised copies may be made available upon request and posted on our website.

4. How We Communicate With You

Better Me Bariatrics communicates with patients and prospective patients through email, text message, and telephone.

By providing your contact information and approving communication, you authorize Better Me Bariatrics to contact you regarding your care, scheduling, and follow-up through the communication methods you select, even though some electronic communication methods may not be fully secure.

We make reasonable efforts to limit electronic protected health information and keep communications to the minimum necessary.

5. How We May Use and Disclose Protected Health Information

The following categories describe ways we may use and disclose protected health information without separate written authorization when permitted by law.

6. For Treatment

We may use protected health information to provide, coordinate, or manage medical treatment and related services.

We may disclose information to doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students, affiliates, or other personnel involved in your care.

Information may also be shared to coordinate prescriptions, laboratory work, imaging, appointments, possible treatment options, alternatives, or health-related benefits and services.

7. For Payment for Services

We may use and disclose protected health information so treatment and services may be billed and payment may be collected from you, an insurance company, or another third party.

8. For Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose protected health information for health care operations, including quality assessment, case management, care coordination, business planning, customer service, and related activities.

We may combine information with that of other individuals to evaluate services or treatments, support research or learning, and improve operations after removing identifying details when appropriate.

9. Other Permitted or Required Disclosures

• As required by federal, state, or local law.
• For approved research, public health activities, reporting abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, or controlling disease, injury, or disability.
• For judicial and administrative proceedings, subpoenas, or lawful court orders.
• To law enforcement, military authorities, or federal officials for lawful purposes, including inmate care or national security.
• For organ donation and transplantation, or to coroners and funeral directors when required.
• To comply with workers’ compensation laws or FDA-related safety reporting.
• To prevent or reduce a serious threat to your health, safety, or the safety of the public.

10. Uses and Disclosures You May Object To

Unless you object, we may share information with a family member, relative, friend, or other person identified by you who is involved in your care or payment for care.

We may use or disclose information to notify others of your location, general condition, or death.

We may share limited information with disaster-relief organizations such as the Red Cross.

To object, contact Better Me Bariatrics using the information listed in this Notice.

11. Your Rights Regarding Protected Health Information

You have certain rights regarding protected health information maintained about you.

12. Right to Inspect and Copy

You may request to inspect and copy medical or billing records used to make decisions about your care.

Requests must be submitted in writing. A reasonable fee may apply for copies. We generally respond within the time required by applicable law. Certain limited exceptions may apply.

13. Right to Amend

If you believe your protected health information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment in writing and explain the reason for the request.

We may deny a request when the information is accurate, was not created by us, is not part of our records, or is not subject to inspection. Any denial will be provided in writing.

14. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures made during the six years before your request, excluding disclosures made for treatment, payment, and health care operations.

The first accounting in a 12-month period is provided without charge. Additional requests may involve a reasonable fee.

15. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limits on how we use or disclose your information.

We are not always required to agree, but if we do agree, we will follow the restriction unless disclosure is necessary for emergency treatment or otherwise required by law.

16. Right to Request Confidential Communications

You may request that we contact you in a particular way or at a specific location, such as only by mail or only at work.

Requests must be submitted in writing. We will accommodate reasonable requests.

17. Right to a Paper Copy

You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you previously agreed to receive it electronically.

18. Other Uses and Disclosures

We will obtain written authorization before using or disclosing protected health information for purposes not covered by this Notice or otherwise permitted or required by law.

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing. We will stop future use or disclosure covered by that authorization, except where action has already been taken in reliance on it.

19. Complaints About Privacy Practices

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Better Me Bariatrics or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To file a complaint with Better Me Bariatrics, use the contact information in this Notice.

Complaints to the Secretary should generally be submitted in writing within 180 days of the suspected violation.

Better Me Bariatrics will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.