Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices for Billy Mercedes / Mercedes & Family

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.

Our Commitment to Privacy

At Mercedes & Family, your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting the privacy of your health information, known as Protected Health Information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we use, share, and protect your PHI in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

1. Our Legal Duty

We are required by federal and state law to protect the privacy of your health information and provide you with this notice. This document outlines our privacy practices, your rights concerning your PHI, and our legal duties. We must follow these privacy practices while this notice is in effect.

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices at any time as allowed by law, with the new practices applied to all PHI maintained, including information collected before the changes. You may request a copy of this notice at any time or access it on our website.

2. Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI)

We may use and disclose your PHI for various purposes, such as treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. The following outlines examples of how your PHI may be used:

• Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare, including sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
• Payment: Your PHI may be used to obtain payment for services provided, such as verifying eligibility and coverage with your insurance provider, processing claims, and conducting utilization reviews.
• Healthcare Operations: We use your PHI to support business activities like quality assessment, staff training, and accreditation. For example, we may use your PHI to improve services or review staff performance.

3. Other Uses and Disclosures

Certain uses and disclosures of PHI are permitted without your written authorization:

• Family Members and Friends: If you are present and able to make decisions, we may share relevant PHI with a family member or friend involved in your care, unless you object. In emergencies, we may share information as needed.
• Public Health and Safety: We may disclose PHI to avert a serious threat to public health or safety, comply with public health requirements, or respond to legal authorities.
• Legal Requirements: Your PHI may be disclosed to comply with laws and regulations, such as reporting abuse, neglect, or certain diseases.
• Research: Under certain conditions, PHI may be used or disclosed for research purposes if approved by a review board or with your explicit permission.
• Business Associates: We may share PHI with contracted service providers (business associates) who assist us with healthcare operations, such as billing. Business associates are required to protect your PHI through contractual agreements.

4. Your Rights Regarding PHI

You have certain rights concerning your PHI:

• Access: You have the right to inspect or obtain copies of your PHI, with limited exceptions. To access your PHI, please contact us in writing. We may charge a fee for copies or summaries.
• Amendment: You have the right to request an amendment to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. We may deny your request under certain circumstances, but you have the right to file a disagreement.
• Confidential Communication: You can request that we communicate with you in specific ways (e.g., sending information to an alternate address). We will accommodate reasonable requests.
• Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive a list of disclosures we made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, within a specified timeframe.
• Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI. Although we are not required to agree to your request, we will consider it carefully.
• Revocation of Authorization: You may revoke your written authorization to use or disclose PHI at any time, except when we have already relied on it.

5. How We Protect Your Information

Mercedes & Family implements strict security measures to protect your PHI, including encryption, access controls, and training our staff on confidentiality requirements. We also adhere to HIPAA standards for telehealth services to ensure your information remains secure.

6. Cookie Disclosure

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience and provide enhanced functionality. Cookies are small text files placed on your device to collect information about how you interact with our website.

How We Use Cookies

• Performance and Analytics: We use cookies to analyze website traffic and usage patterns, helping us improve site functionality and your browsing experience.
• Preferences and User Experience: Cookies allow us to remember your preferences (e.g., language or location settings) to offer a more personalized experience.
• Marketing: Cookies may also help us provide content and advertisements that are relevant to your interests.

By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, but please note that disabling cookies may impact certain website functionalities.

For more information on how we handle data collected through cookies, please refer to our full Privacy Policy or contact us at the details below.

7. Marketing and Communications

We may use your PHI to contact you with information about treatment options or services relevant to your health. You may opt out of such communications by informing us via the contact information below.

8. Questions and Complaints

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you can contact us at:

• Email: billy@nopainxp.com

9. Electronic and Paper Notice

If you view this notice on our website or receive it by email, you are entitled to a paper copy upon request. Please contact us if you wish to receive a hard copy.