NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

 

Aligned Psychiatric Care, PLLC
Doing Business As: Aligned Psychiatric Care or Aligned Psychiatric
State of Practice: North Carolina
Services Provided: Outpatient psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and telehealth services
Telephone: 704-610-6434

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THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED

AND HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.

PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

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If you have any questions about this Notice of Privacy Practices or your rights, please contact Aligned Psychiatric Care, PLLC at 704-610-6434.

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OUR LEGAL DUTY TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

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Aligned Psychiatric Care, PLLC (“the Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

• The HIPAA Privacy Rule and Security Rule

• Applicable federal law

• Applicable North Carolina law governing mental health and telehealth services

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We are required by law to:

1. Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI

2. Provide you with this Notice describing our legal duties and privacy practices

3. Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect

4. Notify you promptly if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs

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DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT TERMS

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HIPAA – Federal law that governs the privacy and security of health information.

Protected Health Information (PHI) – Individually identifiable information relating to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare to you, or payment for that care.

Use – The sharing, examination, analysis, or handling of PHI within the Practice.

Disclosure – The release or transfer of PHI outside the Practice.

Treatment – The provision, coordination, or management of healthcare services, including consultation with other healthcare providers.

Payment – Activities necessary to obtain reimbursement for services provided.

Health Care Operations – Administrative, legal, quality improvement, training, accreditation, and business management activities necessary to operate the Practice.

Business Associate – A person or entity that performs services for the Practice involving PHI and is contractually required to safeguard that information.

Designated Record Set – Medical and billing records maintained by the Practice used to make decisions about your care.

Privacy Officer – The individual responsible for ensuring compliance with privacy laws and this Notice within the Practice.

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USES AND DISCLOSURES OF PHI

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1. Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

No Written Authorization Required

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We may use and disclose PHI for the following purposes:

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Treatment

• Psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management

• Coordination of care with physicians, therapists, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, or other providers

• Provision of telehealth services, including electronic documentation and communication

Payment

• Determining insurance eligibility and coverage

• Submitting claims and obtaining reimbursement

• Billing, collections, and utilization review

Health Care Operations

• Quality assessment and clinical supervision

• Staff training and credentialing

• Compliance, legal, accounting, and auditing functions

• Business planning and administrative management

Reasonable safeguards are used to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

You will be notified in accordance with law if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs.

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2. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Written Authorization

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We will not use or disclose your PHI for the following without your written authorization, except where permitted or required by law:

• Disclosure to employers, schools, or third parties for non-treatment purposes

• Marketing communications unrelated to your treatment

• Sale of PHI

• Most disclosures of psychotherapy notes

• Research participation (when applicable)

You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent we have already relied upon it.

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3. Uses and Disclosures Permitted or Required by Law Without Authorization

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We may disclose PHI when required or permitted by federal or North Carolina law, including:

• Public health reporting and communicable disease control

• Reporting abuse, neglect, or domestic violence

• Health oversight, audits, or investigations

• Judicial or administrative proceedings, subpoenas, or court orders

• Law enforcement purposes

• Serious threats to health or safety

• Workers’ compensation claims

• Coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors

• National security or military activities

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COMMUNICATION WITH YOU

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We may contact you to:

• Schedule or remind you of appointments

• Provide treatment information or test results

• Discuss treatment alternatives or health-related services

Communication methods may include:

• Telephone or voicemail

• Secure electronic messaging

• Mail

• HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms

You may request confidential or alternative communication methods, and reasonable requests will be honored.

 

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING PHI

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1. Right to Request Confidential Communications

You may request communication by alternative means or locations.
We will accommodate reasonable requests.

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2. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limits on certain uses or disclosures of PHI.

We must agree to restrict disclosure to a health plan when:

• You pay out-of-pocket in full, and

• Disclosure is not otherwise required by law.

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3. Right to Access, Inspect, and Copy PHI

You may request access to PHI in the Designated Record Set.

• Requests must be in writing

• We generally respond within 30 days

• Reasonable fees may apply

Access may be denied only in limited circumstances permitted by law.

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4. Right to Request Amendment

If PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment in writing.

We will respond within 60 days.

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5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a written list of certain disclosures made outside:

• Treatment

• Payment

• Health care operations

• Your written authorization

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6. Right to Receive a Paper Copy

You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time upon request.

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TELEHEALTH PRIVACY AND SECURITY

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Aligned Psychiatric Care, PLLC provides secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services.

Please note:

• Electronic communication carries inherent privacy risks

• You are responsible for choosing a private location for sessions

• Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies

• In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

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CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

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We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time.

Revisions will apply to all PHI maintained by the Practice and will be:

• Posted publicly if applicable

• Available upon request

• Effective as of the revised date

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COMPLAINTS

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If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Aligned Psychiatric Care, PLLC
Phone: 704-610-6434

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

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You may be asked to sign a form acknowledging receipt of this Notice of Privacy Practices.