Notice of Privacy Practices
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how the hospital may use and disclose your patient information and how you, as the patient, can access your medical information.
Hospital Use and Disclosures
St. Joseph’s Hospital may use and disclose patient health information without prior authorization in the following situations:
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To share information with physicians or other healthcare providers involved in your care.
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For billing purposes.
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For quality improvement activities.
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For release of information to other health agencies, to law enforcement, and as required by other laws and regulations.
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In emergency situations in which serious health and safety issues are a concern.
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To medical examiners, coroners or funeral directors to aid in the performance of their duties.
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To organ or tissue donation organizations if you are determined to be an organ donor following your death.
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St. Joseph’s Hospital may contact you for such things as to discuss treatment alternatives, health related benefits, make appointment reminders, and for hospital fundraising. The policyholder of your health plan may also be contacted by the hospital.
Most other types of disclosures require the hospital to obtain an additional written authorization from you.
Patient Rights Regarding Personal Health Information
You have the following rights concerning your health information:
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You may request restriction of access to all or part of your health information. You can do so by informing the staff member providing your care, or by notifying the Department of Health Information Services at St. Joseph's Hospital. Telephone 618.526-4511, extension 405. The hospital will honor your request in most cases, but is not required to do so.
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You may request that correspondence or notification of confidential information be delivered to you through an alternate means or location. Examples would include sending mail to an address other than your own home. You can request this by contacting the Business Office Supervisor. Telephone 618.526-4511, extension 329.
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You may have access to your protected health information. You can do so by asking your nurse or by contacting Health Information Services. Telephone 618.526-4511, extension 405.
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You have the right to amend your record or health information. Although the original documentation may not be altered, you may request the addition of further information to your record. Contact Health Information Services. Telephone 618.526-4511, extension 405.
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You have the right to be informed of St. Joseph’s Hospital's privacy practices. This notice is a summary of the hospital's practices. You may request a copy of the complete Privacy Notice at any time. A copy of the notice is also displayed near the front entrance to the hospital, and can be viewed on the hospital's web site at www.stjoebreese.com.
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You have the right to complain should you feel your privacy rights have been violated. To make a complaint to St. Joseph’s Hospital or to obtain more information about your privacy rights, you can call the Compliance Officer at 618.526-4511, extension 454, or the Privacy Officer at 618.526-4511, extension 258. You can also inform us of your concerns by writing to:
Compliance Officer
St. Joseph’s Hospital
9515 Holy Cross Lane
PO Box 99
Breese, Illinois 62230 |
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can also be contacted if you feel a violation of your rights has occurred.
The law prohibits any retaliatory action toward an individual who makes a complaint.
Hospital Responsibility
St. Joseph’s Hospital is required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information. The hospital must abide by the terms of this notice or any update of this notice.
Effective date of this notice is April 14, 2003.
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