Notice of Privacy Practices

Your rights

You may ask to inspect or receive a paper or electronic copy of your health information. You may ask us to correct information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. We may deny certain requests when permitted by law, but we will explain the reason in writing.

You may request confidential communications at a particular address or by a particular method. You may ask us to limit certain uses or disclosures. We are not required to agree to every restriction, except in circumstances required by law.

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your health information, receive a copy of this notice, and authorize another person to exercise your rights. You may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Your choices

You may tell us your preferences about sharing information with family members, friends, or others involved in your care; sharing information during disaster-relief efforts; and contacting you about services. Written authorization is required for uses and disclosures when required by law, including certain marketing activities or the sale of protected health information. You may revoke an authorization in writing, except to the extent we have already relied on it.

How we may use and disclose health information

We may use or disclose your information to provide and coordinate treatment, operate the practice, obtain payment, communicate about appointments, and support quality, safety, and administrative activities. We may also use or disclose information when permitted or required for public-health and safety activities, health oversight, workers’ compensation, organ and tissue donation, research permitted by law, law-enforcement requests, judicial or administrative proceedings, medical examiners, and other legal obligations.

Certain records may receive additional protection under federal or North Carolina law. When a stricter law applies, we will follow it.

Our responsibilities

We are required to maintain the privacy and security of protected health information, follow the duties and practices described in the current notice, and provide you with a copy upon request. We will notify affected individuals as required if a breach may have compromised the privacy or security of their information.

We will not use or disclose your information in a way not described in this notice unless you authorize it in writing or the law permits or requires it.

Electronic communication

Ordinary email and SMS text messaging may not be fully secure. Please use the patient portal or another practice-approved secure method for sensitive medical information. Do not use email, text messaging, or website forms for emergencies.

Changes to this notice

We may change this notice and apply the revised notice to information we already maintain as well as information received in the future. The current notice will be available in the clinic, upon request, and on this website.

Privacy questions or complaints

Privacy Officer: Kirstie Ferrell, MSN, FNP-C
Hushed and Unheard, PLLC
727 S. Fayetteville St., Suite C, Asheboro, NC 27203
Phone: (336) 628-8735
Email: info@hushedandunheard.com

You may also submit a complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints.