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Notice of Privacy Practices - Gastroenterology of Westchester LLC
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Notice of Privacy Practices
This Notice of Privacy Practices (“NPP”) describes how medical information about you
may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Please review it carefully.
may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Please review it carefully.
Introduction and Information
Gastroenterology Of Westchester is required under Federal law, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) to maintain the privacy of your protected health information
which includes providing you with a notice of its legal duties and a description of the types of
information that we gather about you, with whom that information may be shared, and your rights.
This NPP describes your privacy protections and other rights related to your health information
under HIPAA. You may be afforded additional protections and rights under other Federal laws
and/or State law that are not described in this NPP.
The term “health information,” as used in this NPP, refers to any individually identifiable information
which is created, received, maintained or transmitted by the System, and which concerns your
health care and treatment, and payment for such care and treatment. Special privacy protections,
not outlined within this NPP, mental health information, and genetic or genetic testing information.
This NPP describes the privacy practices that must be followed at Gastroenterology Of Westchester
including all acute care hospitals and associated clinics; all Gotham
Health diagnostic and treatment centers and associated extension clinics; all long-term acute care
facilities and skilled nursing facilities; and all home and community based services and programs.
Gastroenterology Of Westchester reserves the right to make the revised or changed NPP effective for health information already maintained
as well as any health information in the future. Gastroenterology Of Westchester will post a copy of the
current NPP in conspicuous locations at its facilities, units, and entities, and
on its public website.
Gastroenterology Of Westchester is required under Federal law, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) to maintain the privacy of your protected health information
which includes providing you with a notice of its legal duties and a description of the types of
information that we gather about you, with whom that information may be shared, and your rights.
This NPP describes your privacy protections and other rights related to your health information
under HIPAA. You may be afforded additional protections and rights under other Federal laws
and/or State law that are not described in this NPP.
The term “health information,” as used in this NPP, refers to any individually identifiable information
which is created, received, maintained or transmitted by the System, and which concerns your
health care and treatment, and payment for such care and treatment. Special privacy protections,
not outlined within this NPP, mental health information, and genetic or genetic testing information.
This NPP describes the privacy practices that must be followed at Gastroenterology Of Westchester
including all acute care hospitals and associated clinics; all Gotham
Health diagnostic and treatment centers and associated extension clinics; all long-term acute care
facilities and skilled nursing facilities; and all home and community based services and programs.
Gastroenterology Of Westchester reserves the right to make the revised or changed NPP effective for health information already maintained
as well as any health information in the future. Gastroenterology Of Westchester will post a copy of the
current NPP in conspicuous locations at its facilities, units, and entities, and
on its public website.
Uses and Discloses of Health Information for Treatment, Payment and Health Care
Operations
Operations
Treatment.
The System may use and disclose your health information to provide you with medical
treatment, care or services, and may disclose your health information to health care providers or
other workforce members who are involved in your care. Different departments of a hospital may
also share your health information to coordinate the different health care services you may need,
such as prescriptions, lab work, and x-rays. When necessary, the System may also disclose your
health information to persons outside the System who may be involved in your care. For example:
treatment, care or services, and may disclose your health information to health care providers or
other workforce members who are involved in your care. Different departments of a hospital may
also share your health information to coordinate the different health care services you may need,
such as prescriptions, lab work, and x-rays. When necessary, the System may also disclose your
health information to persons outside the System who may be involved in your care. For example:
A health care provider treating you for a broken leg may need to know from another health care
provider if you have diabetes because diabetes may slow the healing process and they need to
arrange for appropriate services.
arrange for appropriate services.
Payment.
The System may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for your
health care services and treatment. The System may use and disclose health information to your
health plan about a treatment or procedure you are going to receive in order to obtain prior approval
or to determine whether your plan will cover it. For health care or services paid for in full by you,
you may request that the System limit the health information shared with your insurance company,
to the extent permitted by law. For example: The System may need to give your health plan
information about surgical procedures you received at Gastroenterology Of Westchester so your health plan
will pay the System or reimburse you for such procedures.
health care services and treatment. The System may use and disclose health information to your
health plan about a treatment or procedure you are going to receive in order to obtain prior approval
or to determine whether your plan will cover it. For health care or services paid for in full by you,
you may request that the System limit the health information shared with your insurance company,
to the extent permitted by law. For example: The System may need to give your health plan
information about surgical procedures you received at Gastroenterology Of Westchester so your health plan
will pay the System or reimburse you for such procedures.
Health Care Operations.
The System may use and disclose your health information to perform
operations on a daily basis and to make sure that Gastroenterology Of Westchester patients receive quality
care. The System may also combine health information about many patients to run statistics or
analyses to determine the effectiveness and necessity of services provided. When needed, the
System may also disclose health information to contracted accountants, consultants, and other
professionals who support the operations of the various programs, entities and facilities. For
example: The System may use your health information to review the quality of the treatment and
services it provides.
Appointment Reminders.
operations on a daily basis and to make sure that Gastroenterology Of Westchester patients receive quality
care. The System may also combine health information about many patients to run statistics or
analyses to determine the effectiveness and necessity of services provided. When needed, the
System may also disclose health information to contracted accountants, consultants, and other
professionals who support the operations of the various programs, entities and facilities. For
example: The System may use your health information to review the quality of the treatment and
services it provides.
Appointment Reminders.
The System may use and disclose your health information to contact
you with reminders that you have an appointment at a facility, unit or entity.
you with reminders that you have an appointment at a facility, unit or entity.
Uses and Discloses of Health Information Where Authorization is Required
Gastroenterology Of Westchester must obtain your written authorization before it can use or disclose your
health information in the following situations:
Marketing.
The System must obtain your written authorization before it can use your health
information to communicate with you about purchasing or using a product or service, unless the
communication is made face-to face between you and the System, or consists of a promotional gift
of nominal value provided to you by the System. The following situations, however, do not require
prior written authorization, unless the System receives payment from a third party in exchange for
communicating with you: (i) health-related benefits and services; (ii) drug Information; and (iii)
treatment alternatives.
information to communicate with you about purchasing or using a product or service, unless the
communication is made face-to face between you and the System, or consists of a promotional gift
of nominal value provided to you by the System. The following situations, however, do not require
prior written authorization, unless the System receives payment from a third party in exchange for
communicating with you: (i) health-related benefits and services; (ii) drug Information; and (iii)
treatment alternatives.
Sale of Health Information.
Gastroenterology Of Westchester will not sell your health information without
written authorization.
written authorization.
Uses and Discloses of Health Information Where Authorization is Not Required
Gastroenterology Of Westchester does not need to obtain your written authorization before disclosing your
health information in the following situations:
Gastroenterology Of Westchester does not need to obtain your written authorization before disclosing your
health information in the following situations:
Facility Directory.
The System may use certain health information about you in the facility directory
at the hospital while you are hospitalized. This health information may include your name, location
at the hospital while you are hospitalized. This health information may include your name, location
in the facility, your general condition and your religious affiliation. Note: Only members of the clergy
or clergy workforce members will be told your religious affiliation. If you would prefer that the
System not include this health information in the facility directory, you have the right to object to
including such information, and may do so by contacting the facility’s Admitting or Health Information
Management Department.
or clergy workforce members will be told your religious affiliation. If you would prefer that the
System not include this health information in the facility directory, you have the right to object to
including such information, and may do so by contacting the facility’s Admitting or Health Information
Management Department.
Fundraising Activities.
The System may use or disclose your health information to contact you for
fundraising purposes for the System’s facilities and health care operations. Gastroenterology Of Westchester
may also share your health information with a System-related foundation or Business Associate for
the same purposes. To opt-out of receiving this type of communication, you can email a written
request to https://gastroenterologyofweschesterllc.com. You cannot be denied treatment, or any other benefit
or service for choosing not to receive fundraising communications.
fundraising purposes for the System’s facilities and health care operations. Gastroenterology Of Westchester
may also share your health information with a System-related foundation or Business Associate for
the same purposes. To opt-out of receiving this type of communication, you can email a written
request to https://gastroenterologyofweschesterllc.com. You cannot be denied treatment, or any other benefit
or service for choosing not to receive fundraising communications.
Research.
If you participate in a clinical trial, Gastroenterology Of Westchester will ask for your written
permission before using or sharing your health information. In certain circumstances, the System
may use your health information without your written permission for a research study after
conducting a special approval process that ensures minimal risk to your privacy. Under no
circumstances will a researcher reveal your name or identity publicly in preparation for, during, or
after a research study.
permission before using or sharing your health information. In certain circumstances, the System
may use your health information without your written permission for a research study after
conducting a special approval process that ensures minimal risk to your privacy. Under no
circumstances will a researcher reveal your name or identity publicly in preparation for, during, or
after a research study.
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care.
Unless you object, the System
may disclose your health information to a family member or friend who is involved in your care or
the payment for your care.
may disclose your health information to a family member or friend who is involved in your care or
the payment for your care.
Individuals Who May Act on Your Behalf.
The System may disclose your health information to a
personal representative, including a parent or guardian.
personal representative, including a parent or guardian.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety.
The System may use and disclose your health
information when necessary, to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and
safety of the public or another person.
information when necessary, to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and
safety of the public or another person.
Military and Veterans.
If you are a member of the armed forces, the System may disclose your
health information as required by military command authorities.
health information as required by military command authorities.
Workers’ Compensation.
The System may disclose your health information to the Workers’
Compensation Board or to similar programs as necessary.
Compensation Board or to similar programs as necessary.
Public Health Activities.
The System may use and disclose your health information for public
health purposes, such as to prevent the spread of disease, or to receive reports of certain medical
conditions, births, deaths, abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
health purposes, such as to prevent the spread of disease, or to receive reports of certain medical
conditions, births, deaths, abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
Health Oversight Activities.
The System may use and disclose your health information to a health
oversight agency for activities authorized by law, which include audits, investigations, and
inspections.
oversight agency for activities authorized by law, which include audits, investigations, and
inspections.
Legal Proceedings.
If you are involved in a lawsuit or a legal dispute, the System may disclose
your health information in response to a court or administrative order. The System may also
disclose your health information in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful
your health information in response to a court or administrative order. The System may also
disclose your health information in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful
process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you
about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.
about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.
Law Enforcement.
The System may use and disclose your health information for law enforcement
purposes, including the following: (i) to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or
missing person; (ii) in circumstances pertaining to victims of a crime; (iii) in the case of deaths we
believe may be the result of criminal conduct; (iv) in the case of crimes occurring at a Gastroenterology Of Westchester
and (v) to report a crime in an emergency, the location of the crime or victims,
or the identity, description, or location of the person who committed the crime.
purposes, including the following: (i) to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or
missing person; (ii) in circumstances pertaining to victims of a crime; (iii) in the case of deaths we
believe may be the result of criminal conduct; (iv) in the case of crimes occurring at a Gastroenterology Of Westchester
and (v) to report a crime in an emergency, the location of the crime or victims,
or the identity, description, or location of the person who committed the crime.
Death.
The System may use and disclose your health information in order to notify, or assist in
locating, individuals if they have legal authority to act on your behalf, a personal representative, or
other person involved in your care, about your death, unless doing so would be inconsistent with
any prior preference or instruction that you had expressed in writing.
locating, individuals if they have legal authority to act on your behalf, a personal representative, or
other person involved in your care, about your death, unless doing so would be inconsistent with
any prior preference or instruction that you had expressed in writing.
Coroners, Medical Examiners, Funeral Directors, and Organ Donations.
The System may use
and disclose your health information to a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director, as
necessary to carry out their duties. The System may also use and disclose your health information
for the purposes of organ, eye, and tissue donations.
and disclose your health information to a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director, as
necessary to carry out their duties. The System may also use and disclose your health information
for the purposes of organ, eye, and tissue donations.
Disaster Relief.
The System may use and disclose your health information to a public or private
entity authorized by law or other authority to assist in disaster relief efforts, for the purpose of
coordinating notifications to your family members, next of kin, personal representative, or others
responsible for your care.
entity authorized by law or other authority to assist in disaster relief efforts, for the purpose of
coordinating notifications to your family members, next of kin, personal representative, or others
responsible for your care.
National Security and Intelligence Activities.
The System may disclose your health information
to authorized Federal officials for intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security
activities authorized by law.
to authorized Federal officials for intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security
activities authorized by law.
Protective Services for the President and Others.
The System may disclose your health
information to authorized Federal officials so they may provide protection to the President, other
authorized persons, foreign heads of state, or to conduct special investigations.
information to authorized Federal officials so they may provide protection to the President, other
authorized persons, foreign heads of state, or to conduct special investigations.
Rights Regarding Your Health information
You have the following rights regarding health information that the System maintains about you:
Right to Access and Copy.
You have the right to request access to and obtain a copy of your
health information, except for psychotherapy notes and information pertaining to an ongoing clinical
research trial. You have the right to request copies of your medical records in the format of your
choice. To access or request a copy of your health information please submit your request in writing
to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management Department. The System reserves the
right, under limited circumstances, to deny access to your health information, and if so, to provide
you with a written explanation for the denial, as well as your right to appeal that decision. The
System may impose a reasonable fee to cover the costs of creating copies of medical records. The
System is required to notify you in writing of any anticipated fees prior to sending the requested
information, if the requested health information will be delayed for any reason, or if the requested
health information cannot be provided in the format requested.
You have the right to request access to and obtain a copy of your
health information, except for psychotherapy notes and information pertaining to an ongoing clinical
research trial. You have the right to request copies of your medical records in the format of your
choice. To access or request a copy of your health information please submit your request in writing
to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management Department. The System reserves the
right, under limited circumstances, to deny access to your health information, and if so, to provide
you with a written explanation for the denial, as well as your right to appeal that decision. The
System may impose a reasonable fee to cover the costs of creating copies of medical records. The
System is required to notify you in writing of any anticipated fees prior to sending the requested
information, if the requested health information will be delayed for any reason, or if the requested
health information cannot be provided in the format requested.
Right to Amend.
If you feel that your health information that the System maintains is incorrect or
incomplete, you have the right to request that the System amend your health information for as long
as the information is kept by or for the System. To request an amendment to your health
information, please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health Information
Management Department. You must provide a reason to support your request for an amendment.
Under limited circumstances the System may deny your request. If your request is denied, the
System must provide you with a written explanation as to why it was denied.
incomplete, you have the right to request that the System amend your health information for as long
as the information is kept by or for the System. To request an amendment to your health
information, please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health Information
Management Department. You must provide a reason to support your request for an amendment.
Under limited circumstances the System may deny your request. If your request is denied, the
System must provide you with a written explanation as to why it was denied.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures.
You have the right to request an “accounting of
disclosures,” which lists how the System has disclosed your health information. The list will not
include certain disclosures, such as information shared for your treatment, payment, or health care
operations, or disclosures made with your authorization. To request an accounting of disclosures
please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management
Department. Your request must include a time period of disclosures that may not be longer than
six years, and may not include dates before April 14, 2003. The first list you request within a 12-
month period will be free of charge. For additional lists, the System may charge a reasonable fee.
disclosures,” which lists how the System has disclosed your health information. The list will not
include certain disclosures, such as information shared for your treatment, payment, or health care
operations, or disclosures made with your authorization. To request an accounting of disclosures
please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management
Department. Your request must include a time period of disclosures that may not be longer than
six years, and may not include dates before April 14, 2003. The first list you request within a 12-
month period will be free of charge. For additional lists, the System may charge a reasonable fee.
Right to Request Restrictions.
You have the right to request a restriction on your health
information that System uses or discloses for treatment, payment, or health care operations. You
also have the right to request a limit on the health information that the System discloses about you
to someone who is involved in your care, such as a family member or friend. To request restrictions
on your health information, please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health
Information Management, Admitting or Registration Department. The System is not required to
agree to your restriction request. If agreed, however, the System will comply with your request
unless the health information is needed to provide you with emergency treatment.
information that System uses or discloses for treatment, payment, or health care operations. You
also have the right to request a limit on the health information that the System discloses about you
to someone who is involved in your care, such as a family member or friend. To request restrictions
on your health information, please submit your request in writing to the facility or entity’s Health
Information Management, Admitting or Registration Department. The System is not required to
agree to your restriction request. If agreed, however, the System will comply with your request
unless the health information is needed to provide you with emergency treatment.
Right to Request Alternative Communications.
You have the right to request that the System
communicate with you about medical matters or your health information in an alternative manner
or location. To request alternative communication methods, please submit your request in writing
to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management Department. Your request must specify
how you wish to be contacted. The System will not ask you for the reason for your request, and
will accommodate all reasonable requests.
communicate with you about medical matters or your health information in an alternative manner
or location. To request alternative communication methods, please submit your request in writing
to the facility or entity’s Health Information Management Department. Your request must specify
how you wish to be contacted. The System will not ask you for the reason for your request, and
will accommodate all reasonable requests.
Right to Notice in the Event of a Breach.
You have the right to be notified when your health
information has been acquired, accessed, used or disclosed in a manner that is not legally
permitted, and where the System determines that your health information has been potentially
compromised (referred to as a “breach”). If a breach of your health information occurs, you will be
notified of the breach in writing, within 60 days of when the breach was discovered.
information has been acquired, accessed, used or disclosed in a manner that is not legally
permitted, and where the System determines that your health information has been potentially
compromised (referred to as a “breach”). If a breach of your health information occurs, you will be
notified of the breach in writing, within 60 days of when the breach was discovered.
Right to a Paper Copy of this NPP.
You have the right to a copy of this NPP at any time. You
may also obtain a copy of this NPP by visiting Gastroenterology Of Westchester website at
gastroenterologyofwetschesterllc.com or by contacting the facility or entity’s Health Information
Management, Admitting or Registration Department.
may also obtain a copy of this NPP by visiting Gastroenterology Of Westchester website at
gastroenterologyofwetschesterllc.com or by contacting the facility or entity’s Health Information
Management, Admitting or Registration Department.
Right to Revoke Authorization.
If you provide the System with authorization to use or disclose
your health information, you may revoke that authorization, in writing, at any time. If you revoke
your authorization, the System will no longer use or disclose your health information for the reasons
covered by your written authorization. The System is unable to retract any disclosures already
made with your authorization.
your health information, you may revoke that authorization, in writing, at any time. If you revoke
your authorization, the System will no longer use or disclose your health information for the reasons
covered by your written authorization. The System is unable to retract any disclosures already
made with your authorization.
Complaints.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, that your health information has
been improperly accessed, used or disclosed or have concerns about the System’s privacy
practices, please contact the Office of Corporate Compliance, Corporate Privacy and Security
Officer by email at CPO@nychhc.org, or anonymously and confidentially, via the System’s toll-free
Compliance Helpline at 1-866-HELP-HHC. You also have the right to file a complaint with the
Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a
been improperly accessed, used or disclosed or have concerns about the System’s privacy
practices, please contact the Office of Corporate Compliance, Corporate Privacy and Security
Officer by email at CPO@nychhc.org, or anonymously and confidentially, via the System’s toll-free
Compliance Helpline at 1-866-HELP-HHC. You also have the right to file a complaint with the
Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a
complaint.
“Mobile Opt-In, SMS consent and phone numbers collected for SMS communication purposes will not be shared with third parties and affiliates for marketing purposes.”