PRIVACY POLICY

• No written medical information will be obtained on the “sign-in” sheet at the front desk.

 
• When obtaining medical and insurance information at the “sign-in stations” the interviewers will speak quietly and ask for the minimum amount of information necessary to service patients.

 
• Employees gain access to medical records via a password. Passwords restrict employees access to pertinent medical records. All employees sign a confidentiality statement regarding protected health information.

 
• Any employee who does not keep confidential a patient’s protected health information is subject to termination.

 
• A patient’s name and time of their appointment may be posted in the medical office, however the type of examination being performed will remain confidential.

 
• Access to medical files is restricted to all personnel on an “as needs” basis. Files are kept in secure office locations. All offices are locked when designated personnel leave the premises.

 
• All electronic transfers including fax and image distributions are conducted in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

 
• All electronic patient files are backed up daily and copies are stored in two different secured locations.

 
• Any outside contracts held by St. Joseph’s Imaging Associates that may involve protected health information, such as billing, contain confidentiality agreements.

 
• Required disclosures of protected health information do not require patient permission. In these instances, St. Joseph’s Imaging Associates will document the occurrences and verify the requests for legitimacy.

 
• St. Joseph’s Imaging sends a copy of your examination results to your referring physician. Results may also be sent to additional physicians who may request them for your treatment. By signing a consent form in our office, you authorize us to send those results, whenever appropriate. In the event you wish to cancel that authorization, you should inform our office.

• Images should only be sent with patients at the request of their referring physician.

 
• Patients who request copies of their reports and/or images should be referred to their referring physician.