Dr. Kovachy prioritizes the privacy and security of your protected health information and handles them in accordance with applicable laws. This document explains how your information may be used and shared, and how you can access it. Please review it carefully.

Protected Health Information 

Your protected health information includes healthcare records, such as a record of your symptoms, physical examinations, test results, diagnoses, treatments, and referrals for further care. It also includes bills, insurance claims, or other payment information that are maintained related to your care.

Use of Your Health Information

Dr. Kovachy is authorized to use and disclose your health information for treatment purposes, payment purposes, and healthcare operations under Federal Privacy Regulations.

Treatment Purposes refers to providing, coordinating, or managing health care and related services by your healthcare provider. Examples include:

• Dr. Kovachy may obtain information from you and record it in your medical records.

• Dr. Kovachy may speak to other providers on your care team to benefit your current care.

Payment Purposes refers to obtaining reimbursement for services, confirming coverage, conducting billing or collection activities, and responding to utilization reviews by insurers. Examples include: 

• Dr. Kovachy may share information such as your diagnoses and treatment dates with your insurer.

Health Care Operations refers to business aspects of running Dr. Kovachy’s practice. Examples include: 

• Dr. Kovachy may disclose your information to business associates who support his practice, such as his malpractice insurance carrier, or for auditing purposes by appropriate entities. 

Other Examples of Permitted Uses and Disclosures

• Dr. Kovachy is permitted to disclose your health information to public health agencies to prevent disease, report abuse or neglect, or protect you or others in emergency situations. 

• In some cases, Dr. Kovachy may be required by law to disclose your information for administrative or legal proceedings with your authorization or as directed by a court order. 

• With your written approval, Dr. Kovachy may release health information about you to a friend or family member who is involved in your medical care. Please note that in emergencies written approval may have to be obtained retroactively.

Dr. Kovachy will not share your information for marketing purposes or the sale of your information. 

Your Health Information Rights

You have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your health information, which are described in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

These include:

1. You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Privacy Notice.

2. You have the right to request a restriction on certain uses and disclosures of your health information. Dr. Kovachy is not required to grant the request, but he will comply with any request granted.

3. You have the right to inspect and copy your health and billing record with a few exceptions. For example, under federal laws you may not inspect or copy psychotherapy notes. See link here for more information on what constitutes psychotherapy notes: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/2088/does-hipaa-provide-extra-protections-mental-health-information-compared-other-health.html

4. You have the right to appeal a denial of access to your protected health information, except in certain circumstances.

5. You have the right to request that your health care record be amended to correct incomplete or incorrect information. Dr. Kovachy may deny your request if you ask him to amend information that was not created by him, is not part of the health information kept by his office, is not part of the information that you would be permitted to inspect or copy, or if the information is accurate and complete. If your request is denied, you will be informed of the reason for the denial.

6. You have the right to request that communication of your health information be made by alternative means or at an alternative location. For example, you may request that Dr. Kovachy only calls your cell phone instead of your home phone.

7. You have the right to obtain an accounting of disclosures of your health information as required to be maintained by law. This applies to disclosures for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations or for disclosures made to you or at your request.

8. You have the right to revoke authorization that you made previously to use or disclose information by providing a written revocation to Dr. Kovachy’s office, except to the extent information or action has already been taken.

9. If you think your rights are being denied, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you want to exercise any of the above rights, please let Dr. Kovachy know.

Dr. Kovachy will maintain the confidentiality of your health information, except when required by law as discussed in the notice above, or when it is necessary to protect your health or safety. He may change or eliminate some provisions of this notice. He will notify you if he does so. If you have any questions, you can ask Dr. Kovachy.