1. Welcome
Welcome to the Privacy Policy for North Coast Health (“North Coast Health,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your health information is a priority for us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose personal and health information, including Protected Health Information (PHI), in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with the effective date noted.
2. What Information Do We Collect?
We may collect two types of information:
a. Personal Information (Non-Health Related)
- Name, phone number, and email address
- Mailing address
- Information you provide when contacting us, submitting forms, or making inquiries
b. Protected Health Information (PHI)
PHI refers to any information that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of health care, or payment for health care, and that identifies you or could be used to identify you. Examples include:
- Medical history, treatment, and diagnosis
- Insurance and billing information
- Appointment records
- Any health information shared with us through our website, forms, email, or in person
3. How Do We Use Your Information?
We use your information only as permitted under HIPAA and applicable law, including:
- Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your health care and related services.
- Payment: To bill and collect payment for services provided to you.
- Health Care Operations: For administrative, quality assessment, and business management purposes.
- Communication: To respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, send reminders, or provide updates relevant to your care.
- As Required by Law: To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests.
We will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing or fundraising purposes without your prior written authorization.
4. Do We Share Your Information?
We may share information only as permitted under HIPAA:
- With third-party service providers (such as billing or electronic health record vendors) who are contractually required to safeguard your PHI.
- With other health care providers involved in your treatment.
- With insurance companies or payors to process claims.
- When required by law, such as in response to subpoenas, reporting abuse, or public health requirements.
We will never sell your PHI or share it with outside organizations for their own independent marketing purposes.
5. Patient Rights Under HIPAA
As a patient of North Coast Health, you have the following rights regarding your PHI:
- Right to Access: You may request a copy of your health records.
- Right to Amend: You may request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Right to Restrict Disclosures: You may request limits on how we use or disclose your PHI.
- Right to Confidential Communications: You may request communications through alternative means (e.g., at a different address or phone number).
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a record of certain disclosures of your PHI.
- Right to Revoke Authorization: If you previously authorized us to use or disclose your PHI, you may revoke that authorization in writing at any time.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info.northcoasthealth@gmail.com with “HIPAA Privacy Request” in the subject line.
6. Security and Storage of Information
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. While we use secure systems and procedures, no electronic communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Your information is stored in the United States and subject to U.S. law. We retain health information as required by federal and state regulations.
7. Cookies and Website Analytics
When you visit our website, we may collect limited non-identifiable information, such as browser type, IP address, and pages visited. This information is used to improve website performance and user experience.
We do not use cookies or tracking technologies to collect or store PHI.
8. Other Websites
Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal information.
9. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, you may contact us at:
North Coast Health
Email: info.northcoasthealth@gmail.com
Subject line: HIPAA Privacy Information
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.