Answers to Your Questions

Q.    What is HIPAA?

 A.    HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, passed by Congress to create national standards for the way your health information is used.  Under this law, health care providers, including physician offices, hospitals, and health insurance companies, are required to provide you with a Notice of Privacy Practices.

Q.   What is the Notice of Privacy Practices?

 A.    This written document tells you how we may use and disclose your protected health information.  It also tells you of the rights you have over your health information.  The notice explains in detail that we can use your information for treatment, payment, and organizational activities.  Examples would be your physician talking to a consultant about your case, filing your insurance, and billing.  We are also required to disclose certain types of health information to other agencies such as mandatory disease reporting to the Health Department and child abuse.

Q.   What’s my next step?

 A.    Please review the on-line copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices.  If you wish, then please complete the acknowledgment form and e-mail it to us.

Q.   How do I get my own copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices?

 A.    A printer-friendly version is provided for your convenience.  Just click here.

Q.   What if I have more questions about the notice?

 A.    Click here to e-mail or call the Defiance Clinic Privacy Officer, Cathy, at 419-783-3318 or 800-925-4642, ext. 3318.