Privacy PracticesKRONOS DUTIES REGARDING YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION:
We are required by law to:
- Take reasonable steps to protect medical information that identifies you from unauthorized disclosure
- Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to medical information about you
- Follow the terms of our notice that is currently in effect
- How Kronos May Use or Disclose Patient Health Information
For Treatment. Kronos may use patient health information to help provide medical treatment or services. For example, information obtained by a health care provider, such as a physician, nurse, or other person providing health services, will be recorded in patient records that are related to their treatment. This information is necessary for health care providers to determine what treatment patients should receive. Health care providers will also record actions taken by them in the course of patient treatment and note how patients respond to these actions.
For Research. Kronos examines patient information as part of its research into optimal health and aging. This research includes developing lab tests, pharmaceuticals, treatment programs and services base, in part, on analysis of patient data (information) consolidated into a central research database. Patient data that is used for research purposes will not contain the patient’s name, address, or any other information that identifies the patient, and is considered a limited data set under health care law.
For Payment. Kronos may use and disclose patient health information to others for purposes of receiving payment for treatment and services provided. For example, a bill may be sent to the patient or a third-party payor, such as an insurance company or health plan. The information on the bill may contain information that identifies the patient, the patient diagnosis, and treatment or supplies used in the course of treatment.
For Health Care Operations. Kronos may use and disclose patient health information for operational purposes. For example, patient health information may be disclosed to members of the medical staff, risk or quality improvement personnel, and others to:
- Evaluate the performance of our staff;
- Assess the quality of patient care and outcomes;
- Learn how to improve our facilities and services; and
- Determine how to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of the health care we provide.
For Communications. Kronos may use patient information to provide appointment reminders or information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to the patient.
Required by law. Kronos will disclose patient information when required to by federal, state or local law. Kronos may disclose information for the following purposes:
- For judicial and administrative proceedings pursuant to legal authority;
- To report information related to victims of abuse, neglect or domestic violence; and
- To assist law enforcement officials in their law enforcement duties.
Public Health. Kronos may disclose patient health information for public health activities, such as assisting public health authorities or other legal authorities to prevent or control disease, injury, or disability, or for other health oversight activities.
Health and Safety. Kronos may disclose patient health information to avert a serious threat to the health or safety of the patient or any other person pursuant to applicable law.
Health Oversight Activities. Kronos may disclose medical information to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law. These oversight activities include, for example, audits, investigations, inspections, licensure and disciplinary actions.
Government Functions. Kronos may disclose patient health information for specialized government functions, such as protection of public officials or reporting to various branches of the armed services.
Workers’ Compensation. Kronos may disclose patient health information in order to comply with laws and regulations related to Workers’ Compensation.
Other Uses. Kronos will make other uses and disclosures only with written patient authorization and patients may revoke the authorization except to the extent Kronos has taken action in reliance on such.
Patient Health Information Rights
Patients have the right to:
- Request a restriction on certain uses and disclosures of their information as provided by 45 C.F.R. § 164.522; however, Kronos is not required to agree to a requested restriction;
- Obtain a paper copy of the notice of information practices upon request;
- Inspect and obtain a copy of their health record as provided by 45 C.F.R. § 164.524;
- Request that their health records be amended as provided in 45 C.F.R. § 164.526;
- Request communications of their health information by alternative means or at alternative locations; and
- Receive an accounting of disclosures made of their health information as provided by 45 C.F.R. § 164.528.
- File a complaint with Kronos as well as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if the patient believes their privacy rights have been violated. Complaints must be filed on Kronos’ complaint form with the Kronos Privacy Officer. Patients will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Changes to this Notice
Kronos reserves the right to change this notice.We reserve the right to make the revised or changed notice effective for medical information we already have about you as well as any information we receive in the future.We will post a copy of the current notice at our facility, and make it available to you upon request.
If you need more information please write:
Privacy Officer
Kronos Optimal Health Company
2390 E. Camelback Rde., Ste. 440
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Effective Date of Notice: August 18, 2005
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