Pflueger Medical Nephrology and Internal Medicine Services P.L.L.C.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Do not send protected health information by ordinary email unless the practice specifically directs you to an approved secure method.
Your Rights
You have rights concerning protected health information maintained by the practice. We will help you exercise those rights as required by applicable law.
Access your record
You may ask to inspect or receive an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other health information we maintain about you. Reasonable, cost-based fees may apply when permitted by law.
Request a correction
You may ask us to correct health information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. If a request is denied, we will provide the explanation required by law.
Request confidential communications
You may ask us to contact you in a particular way or at a different address. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Request limits
You may ask us to limit certain uses or disclosures. We are not always required to agree. When you pay in full out of pocket, additional restrictions on disclosures to a health plan may apply.
Receive an accounting
You may request an accounting of certain disclosures made during the period allowed by law. Some disclosures are excluded from that accounting.
Receive this notice
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, including after receiving it electronically.
Use a personal representative
A person with verified legal authority to act for you may exercise applicable privacy rights on your behalf.
File a complaint
You may complain to the practice or to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights were violated. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Your Choices
For certain uses and disclosures, you may tell us your preferences. Depending on the circumstances, this can include sharing information with family, close friends, or others involved in your care or payment for your care, and sharing information during disaster-relief activities.
When written authorization is required, we will obtain it before using or disclosing your health information for the applicable purpose. You may revoke an authorization in writing, subject to actions already taken in reliance on it.
How We May Use or Disclose Health Information
We may use or disclose protected health information for purposes permitted or required by law, including the following:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage your care and communicate with health professionals involved in your treatment. For example, one treating clinician may share relevant information with another clinician involved in your care.
Health care operations
To operate the practice, improve quality, manage services, conduct compliance activities, and contact you when appropriate. For example, health information may be reviewed to improve practice operations or care quality.
Payment
To bill for services, obtain payment, verify coverage, or communicate with health plans and other responsible payers. For example, relevant information may be provided to a health plan to support payment for covered services.
Public health and safety
For legally permitted public-health activities, product or medication safety reporting, reporting abuse or neglect when authorized or required, and preventing or reducing a serious threat to health or safety.
Research
For health research when the use or disclosure is permitted by HIPAA and other applicable requirements.
Required by law
When federal, state, or other applicable law requires a use or disclosure, including disclosures to HHS for HIPAA compliance or enforcement.
Other legally permitted purposes
As permitted by law for organ and tissue donation, coroners and medical examiners, workers’ compensation, health oversight, law enforcement, certain government functions, and judicial or administrative proceedings.
Substance Use Disorder Records
To the extent the practice creates, receives, or maintains substance use disorder patient records protected by 42 CFR Part 2, additional confidentiality protections apply. Part 2 information generally may not be used or disclosed in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative investigations or proceedings against you unless permitted by applicable law, including through written consent or an appropriate court order and subpoena when required.
Our Responsibilities
- We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of protected health information.
- We will provide notice as required if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
- We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in the Notice currently in effect.
- We will not use or disclose your information other than as described in this Notice unless you authorize us in writing or another legal basis permits or requires it.
Additional Privacy Protections
When New York law or another applicable state law provides greater privacy protection or patient rights than HIPAA, the practice follows the more protective requirement.
Questions, Privacy Rights, and Complaints
For questions, to exercise a privacy right, or to file a complaint with the practice, contact the practice at (845) 325-9298 or apflueger@tmediq.com. Do not include protected health information in ordinary email unless specifically directed to an approved secure method.
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. The practice will not retaliate against you for exercising privacy rights or filing a complaint.
Changes to This Notice
The practice may revise this Notice as permitted by law. A current version will be available upon request and on this website.
Availability and Acknowledgment
This Notice is available electronically on the practice website and in paper form upon request. Where required for a direct treatment relationship, the practice will make a good-faith effort to obtain acknowledgment that the Notice was provided. Acknowledgment confirms receipt; it is not authorization for additional uses or disclosures.