HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Vitality Testosterone & Weight Loss ("the Practice") is required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI), provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

PHI is individually identifiable health information that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare to you, or payment for healthcare services. This includes information in your medical records, lab results, treatment plans, billing records, and any other information that could identify you.

How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI

We may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:

Treatment

To provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. For example, sharing lab results with a referring physician or specialist involved in your care.

Payment

To bill and collect payment for the services we provide. This may include sharing information with your health plan or insurance provider to obtain authorization or verify coverage.

Healthcare Operations

For our internal operations such as quality improvement, staff training, compliance activities, audits, and business planning.

As Required by Law

We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law, including:

• Public health activities (e.g., reporting communicable diseases).
• Health oversight activities (e.g., audits, inspections).
• Judicial and administrative proceedings when ordered by a court.
• Law enforcement purposes as permitted by law.
• To avert a serious threat to health or safety when necessary to prevent or lessen harm.
• Workers' compensation as authorized by law.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not described in this Notice, including:

• Marketing communications.
• Sale of your PHI.
• Most uses of psychotherapy notes (if applicable).
• Any other use not covered by this Notice or permitted by law.

You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent that we have already acted in reliance upon it.

Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

Under HIPAA, you have the following rights:

Right to Access

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI maintained by the Practice. Requests must be submitted in writing. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copies.

Right to Request Amendment

You may request that we amend your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. Requests must be submitted in writing with an explanation. We may deny the request under certain circumstances and will provide a written explanation.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI that we have made. This does not include disclosures for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, or operations. We are not required to agree to all requests but will accommodate reasonable restrictions when possible.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you about health matters in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., only by mail, only at a certain phone number).

Right to a Paper Copy

You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time by contacting our office.

Right to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Practice 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.

Our Responsibilities

• We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.
• We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your PHI.
• We must follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect.
• We will not use or disclose your PHI without your authorization except as described in this Notice.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and make the new provisions effective for all PHI we maintain. The revised Notice will be posted on this website and available at our office.

Contact Information

For questions about this Notice, to exercise your rights, or to file a complaint, please contact:

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, by visiting hhs.gov/ocr/privacy or calling 1-877-696-6775.