Privacy Policy

This Notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully. The privacy of your health information is important to us.

Purpose

This Notice of Privacy Practices presents the information that federal law requires us to share with patients regarding our privacy practices. We must provide this Notice no later than the date of your first service with us (including electronic services) and make a good-faith effort to obtain written acknowledgement of receipt.

A copy of this Notice is always available at our office for you to take home, and it is posted in a clear and prominent location. If the Notice is revised, we will update it in the office and provide the revised version upon request.

Our Legal Duty

We are required by federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your health information. We are also required to give you this Notice explaining our privacy practices, legal duties, and your rights. We must follow the practices described here while this Notice is in effect. This Notice took effect on April 14, 2003, and will remain in effect until replaced.

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices at any time, as permitted by law. Any updates will apply to all health information we maintain, including information created before the changes. You may request a copy of our Notice at any time.

Uses and Disclosures of Health Information

We use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations:

• Treatment: We may share your health information with physicians or other healthcare providers who are treating you.

• Payment: We may use and disclose your information to obtain payment for services provided.

• Healthcare Operations: We may use your health information for quality assessment, staff training, licensing, accreditation, and other necessary operations.

Your Authorization: You may give us written authorization for additional uses or disclosures not covered above. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

To Family and Friends: With your permission, we may disclose relevant health information to family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for your care.

Persons Involved in Care: In emergencies or if you are incapacitated, we may use professional judgment to share necessary information for your care or to notify family or representatives of your condition.

Marketing: We will not use your health information for marketing purposes without your written authorization.

Required by Law: We may disclose your health information when required to do so by law.

Abuse or Neglect: If we believe you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, we may disclose information to appropriate authorities.

National Security: We may disclose information to authorized officials for military, national security, intelligence, or law enforcement purposes as required by law.

Patient Rights

• Access: You have the right to review or request copies of your health information, with certain exceptions. You may request copies in alternative formats, and reasonable fees may apply.

• Restriction: You may request additional restrictions on the use or disclosure of your information, though we are not required to agree.

• Alternative Communication: You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at alternative locations. Requests must be in writing.

• Amendment: You may request that we amend your health information. Requests must be in writing with an explanation. We may deny requests under certain circumstances.

• Electronic Notice: If you receive this Notice electronically, you are entitled to also receive it in paper form.

Questions and Complaints

If you want more information about our privacy practices, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact us.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Officer: Joanne Payne
Telephone: (845) 562-1108
E-mail: drkoumas@hvc.rr.com
Address: 4 Hudson Valley Professional Plaza, Newburgh, NY 12550