Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Lowcountry Eye Specialists, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed, as well as your rights regarding that information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

We recognize the importance of maintaining your privacy while providing personalized medical and surgical eye care.

How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal, medical, and insurance information necessary to provide eye care services, coordinate treatment, and maintain accurate patient records.

This information may be obtained through:

• Appointment scheduling and patient registration
• Referrals from physicians and other healthcare providers
• Medical records, eye examination findings, and health history
• Diagnostic tests and treatment information
• Insurance and billing information
• Telephone calls, electronic communications, and other interactions related to your care

This information helps us evaluate your eye health, develop appropriate treatment plans, coordinate care with other healthcare professionals, process insurance claims, and meet applicable healthcare requirements.

How We Protect Your Information

Lowcountry Eye Specialists is committed to maintaining appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your health information.

Access to protected health information is limited according to applicable privacy requirements and legitimate responsibilities related to patient care and practice operations.

We use and disclose your medical information only as permitted or required by law or with your authorization when necessary.

We are also required to notify affected individuals of breaches of unsecured protected health information when required by applicable law.

How We Use and Disclose Your Information

Your protected health information may be used or disclosed for purposes including:

• Treatment: Providing medical and surgical eye care, evaluating eye conditions, and coordinating treatment with referring physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Payment: Processing billing, insurance claims, and payments for healthcare services.
• Healthcare Operations: Managing patient records, improving care quality, and supporting administrative operations.
• Appointment Communication: Scheduling appointments and communicating information related to your care.
• Legal Requirements: Complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Certain other disclosures may be permitted or required by law, including those related to public health, health oversight, legal proceedings, and other authorized purposes.

Uses or disclosures requiring your written authorization will not be made without that authorization, except as otherwise permitted by law. Additional protections may apply to certain categories of health information.

Your Privacy Rights

Under HIPAA, you have certain rights regarding your protected health information, including the right to:

• Request access to or obtain copies of your medical records.
• Request corrections to information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information.
• Request confidential communications through alternative methods or locations.
• Request an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information.
• Request that information about services paid for in full out of pocket not be disclosed to your health plan for payment or healthcare operations, except where disclosure is required by law.
• Receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices.
• Designate an authorized personal representative where permitted by law.
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

We will respond to requests and honor your rights in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Our Responsibilities

Lowcountry Eye Specialists is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information and follow the practices described in its applicable Notice of Privacy Practices.

We may update our privacy practices when necessary to reflect changes in legal requirements or healthcare operations. An updated notice will be made available through our office and website.

You may request a copy of the current notice at any time.