Notice of Privacy Practices

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 Protection of Health Information: Your health information is kept private according to the federal privacy regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (HIPAA) and you are provided with notices of the legal duties and privacy practices within this practice. Your protected health information is information that relates to your past, present, or future health care. This includes your medication history, diagnostic evaluations, and therapeutic services. 

Uses and Disclosures of Your Protected Health Information: Disclosure of your health information may occur for health care operations. Examples of operations in which protected health information disclosures may occur include insurance and billing, management, financial or quality assurance audits, law enforcement purposes, education, referring to other services, and receiving information from other professionals that may have treated you in the past. Your protected health information may be used for treatment purposes inducing provisions, coordination or management of services. Some other examples of disclosures include the following: 

- Being called in from the waiting room when it is time for your appointment 

- Messages may be left on your answering machine regarding your appointment or to request that you contact this office 

- Medical records may need to be transferred to another location 

- Disclosures may also be made to student observers or therapists who participate in health care operations and commit to respect the privacy of your health information 

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information: You have the right to review your health information which might include intake information, evaluation, session notes, goals, and progress notes. For all other purposes beyond those listed above, your written authorization will be required to use, disclose, or restrict your protected health information. Your authorization can be revoked at any time except to the extent that we have relied on the authorization. Revocations must be in writing. You may also initiate the process for your information to be sent to someone else through the use of an authorization form or written request. To request further restriction or disclosure, you must submit a written request that explains what information you want restricted, how you want the information restricted, and from whom you want the restriction to apply. 

Notice of Privacy Practices: By law, this practice abides by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices until we choose to change it. We reserve the right to change this notice at any time. The revised notice will be available on request from our office.

Complaints: If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may submit a complaint to this practice or to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with the practice, submit the complaint in writing. You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint and your identity will be kept confidential. 

Busy Bee Therapy is required by law to keep your health information and records safe. This information may include: 

• Notes from your doctor, teacher or other healthcare provider 

• Medical history 

• Test results 

• Treatment notes 

• Insurance information 

We are required by law to give you a copy of our privacy notice. This notice tells you how your health information may be used and shared. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Busy Bee Therapy’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices that fully explains the uses and disclosures they will make with respect to my individually identifiable health information. I have had the opportunity to read the notice and to have any questions regarding the notice answered to my satisfaction. I understand Busy Bee Therapy cannot disclose my health information other than as specified in the notice. I understand that Busy Bee Therapy reserves the right to change the notice and the practices detailed therein if it sends a copy of the revised notice to the address I have provided.

 You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.