Effective Date: January 7, 2025
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Please Review Carefully
Federal law requires us to maintain the privacy of your protected health information and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. This notice explains how we may use and disclose your health information and describes your rights regarding your health information.
NJ Primary and Sports Medicine is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information. We are required by law to:
The following categories describe the ways we may use and disclose your health information. Not every use or disclosure will be listed, but all permitted uses and disclosures will fall within one of these categories.
We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. For example, we may share your information with specialists, laboratories, pharmacies, or other healthcare providers involved in your care. We may also contact you with appointment reminders or information about treatment alternatives.
We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services we provide. This may include billing your insurance company, verifying your insurance coverage, and collecting payment from you or your insurance company. We may also provide information to collection agencies if bills remain unpaid.
We may use and disclose your health information for our healthcare operations, including quality assessment, training, business management, and administrative services. For example, we may review treatment records to evaluate the performance of our staff or to plan for future services.
Important Note
For most uses and disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, we do not need your written authorization. However, we will obtain your authorization for other uses and disclosures as described below.
We may also use or disclose your health information without your authorization in the following situations:
When required by federal, state, or local law, including responses to court orders, subpoenas, and law enforcement requests.
To public health authorities for preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability, and for reporting births, deaths, or suspected abuse or neglect.
To health oversight agencies for audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure activities.
In response to court orders, subpoenas, or other lawful processes.
To law enforcement officials for limited purposes, such as identifying suspects, locating missing persons, or reporting crimes.
When necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety of you, another person, or the public.
For workers' compensation or similar programs that provide benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
To military command authorities if you are a member of the armed forces or to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors to carry out their duties.
If you have questions about this Notice of Privacy Practices or need more information, please contact us:
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your health information for purposes other than those described in this notice. Specifically, we will always request your authorization for:
You may revoke any authorization you have given us at any time by submitting a written revocation. However, your revocation will not affect any uses or disclosures we already made in reliance on your authorization.
You have the following rights regarding your protected health information:
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information, including medical and billing records. To request copies of your records, submit a written request to our office. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing costs.
We may deny your request in certain limited circumstances. If we deny your request, you have the right to request a review of the denial.
If you believe that information in your health record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that we amend it. Submit a written request explaining what information you want amended and why. We may deny your request if the information was not created by us, is not part of our records, or is accurate and complete.
You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures we have made of your health information. This does not include disclosures for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or disclosures made to you or with your authorization. The first accounting in a 12-month period is free; we may charge a reasonable fee for additional requests.
You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You may also request restrictions on disclosures to family members or others involved in your care.
We are not required to agree to your request, except in certain circumstances where you have paid out-of-pocket in full and you request that we not disclose the information to your health plan for payment or healthcare operations purposes.
You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health information by alternative means or at alternative locations. For example, you may request that we contact you only at work or by mail. We will accommodate reasonable requests without asking for an explanation.
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically. You may obtain a copy by requesting one at our office or visiting our website.
You have the right to be notified if we discover a breach of your unsecured protected health information. We will notify you as required by law.
We reserve the right to change this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Any changes will apply to all protected health information we maintain, including information created or received before the change. When we make an important change to our policies, we will:
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. To file a complaint with us, contact:
To file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contact:
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr
You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.
By signing our acknowledgment form, you confirm that you have been provided with and have read (or had the opportunity to read) this Notice of Privacy Practices.
Effective Date: January 7, 2025
We're committed to protecting your privacy while providing exceptional healthcare. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph Riggi today.
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