Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 11/12/2024
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Welcome to WellnessPT Physical Therapy, P.C. (“WellnessPT”), where we prioritize the privacy and security of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how WellnessPT collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information in compliance with HIPAA, PTBC guidelines, APTA best practices, and applicable California state privacy laws.
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1. Compliance with HIPAA and California Privacy Laws
WellnessPT adheres to all relevant privacy laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). We are committed to protecting your health information with the highest standards of patient confidentiality and professional conduct.
2. Information Collection and Use
When you engage with WellnessPT for physical therapy services, we collect certain health information necessary for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations:
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Protected Health Information (PHI): This includes personal details like your name, medical history, treatment records, billing information, and other identifiable health information relevant to your care.
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Purpose of Collection: WellnessPT collects PHI to provide personalized treatment, facilitate payments and insurance claims, and conduct healthcare operations, such as appointment scheduling and patient follow-up.
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
WellnessPT will only use or disclose your PHI in compliance with HIPAA and relevant California state laws:
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For Treatment: We may share your health information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
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For Payment: Your PHI may be shared with insurance providers or other entities for billing and payment purposes.
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For Healthcare Operations: PHI may be used for quality assessment, staff training, and other internal purposes.
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With Third Parties: We do not share your health information with third parties for marketing or unrelated purposes without your explicit, written consent.
4. HIPAA Authorization for the Use or Disclosure of Health Information
To use or disclose your PHI for any purposes beyond treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, we will request your written authorization. You may refuse to provide this authorization without impacting your treatment or benefits.
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Purpose of Authorization: By signing an authorization, you allow WellnessPT to disclose your PHI for specific purposes not covered by standard healthcare activities, such as research, public health reporting, or marketing initiatives if opted in.
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Revocation: You have the right to revoke any authorization at any time by submitting a written notice to WellnessPT. However, revocation does not apply to information disclosed based on prior authorization.
5. Your Rights Regarding Health Information
As a patient, you have rights under HIPAA and California privacy laws:
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Right to Access: You may request access to your PHI, including obtaining copies of your medical records.
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Right to Amend: You may request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
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Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a record of instances where WellnessPT disclosed your PHI outside standard healthcare operations.
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Right to Restrict Use and Disclosure: You may request restrictions on how your PHI is used or shared, although WellnessPT may not be able to honor all requests if it would impact care delivery.
6. Safeguarding Your Information
WellnessPT takes data security seriously and has implemented reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your PHI from unauthorized access or disclosure.
7. Retention of Health Information
Your health information will be retained for as long as legally required and for purposes outlined in this policy. After this period, records will be securely destroyed according to applicable regulations.
8. Telehealth Services
For patients using telehealth services, WellnessPT utilizes secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure the privacy and security of your information during virtual sessions. Telehealth interactions are recorded only when required for medical, legal, or compliance purposes and are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
9. Potential for Redisclosure
If your information is disclosed to a third party, California law requires that they not redisclose this information without additional authorization, except as required by law. Please be aware that once disclosed to authorized third parties, federal privacy protections may not apply.
10. Contact Information for Privacy Concerns and Revocation Requests
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to revoke an authorization, request a restriction, or exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:
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WellnessPT Physical Therapy, P.C.
Email: admin@wellnesspt.com
Phone: (619) 354-8854
11. Updates to this Privacy Policy
WellnessPT may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in laws or services. Updated policies will be posted on our website, and significant changes will be communicated directly to patients.