NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW VIP NEPHROLOGY, INC.

MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

VIP NEPHROLOGY, INC. is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information consisting of all records related to your health, including demographic information, either created by VIP NEPHROLOGY, INC. or received by VIP NEPHROLOGY, INC. from other healthcare providers.

Uses and Disclosures of Your Protected Health Information Not Requiring Your Consent

VIP NEPHROLOGY, INC. may use and disclose your protected health information, without your written consent or authorization, for certain treatment, payment and healthcare operations. There are certain restrictions on uses and disclosures of treatment records, which include registration and all other records concerning individuals who are receiving, or who at any time have received services for mental illness, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, or drug dependence. There are also restrictions on disclosing HIV test results. 

Treatment may include:

• Providing, coordinating, or managing healthcare and related services by one or more healthcare providers;
• Consulations between healtchcare providers concerning a patient;
• Referrals to other providers for treatment;
• Referrals to nursing homes, foster care homes, or home health agencies.

Payment activities may include:

• Activities undertaken by VIP Nephrology, Inc. to obtain reimbursement for services provided to you;
• Determining your elgibility for benefits or health insurance coverage;
• Managing claims and contacting your insurance company regarding payment;
• Collection activities to obtain payment for services provided to you;
• Reviewing healthcare services and discussing with your insurance company the medical necessity of certain services or procedures, coverage under your health plan, appropriateness of care, or justification of charges;
• Obtaining pre-certification and pre-authorization of services to be provided to you.

Healthcare operations may include:

• Contacting healthcare providers and patients with information about treatment alternatives;
• Conducting outcomes evalution and development of clinical guidelines;
• Protocol development, case management, or care coordination;
• Conducting or arranging for medical review, legal services, and auditing functions.