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Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how Words +, Inc. may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) in order to carry out treatment, payment and healthcare operations and for other purposes permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your PHI. PHI is individually identifiable information (including demographic information) relating to your health, to the health care provided to you or to payment for health care.
Uses and Disclosures of Health Information
Words +, Inc. uses PHI about you for treatment, payment and healthcare operations. We may also use or disclose your PHI without your authorization for several other reasons. Subject to certain requirements, we may give out health information without your authorization for public health reasons, for auditing purposes and as required by law.
Treatment: Words +, Inc. may use and disclose your PHI to speech pathologists, doctors, your insurance companies, case managers or other individuals you authorize us to contact on your behalf. For example, we may share a speech evaluation with your doctor in order to obtain a prescription for the durable medical equipment you are requesting.
Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI in order to verify your eligibility and benefits with your insurance companies, to process claims for payment, and to coordinate your health care benefits with other health plans or agencies you have requested us to obtain payment from.
Healthcare Operations: Words +, Inc. may use and disclose your PHI for healthcare operations. For example, we may disclose medical information about you for the purpose of obtaining prior authorization from your insurance companies, for case management, or processing of claims.
Family and Friends: Words +, Inc. may release your PHI to a friend or family member identified by you who is helping you pay for your health care or who assists in taking care of you.
Disclosures required by law: Words +, Inc. will use and disclose your PHI when we are required to do so by federal, state or local law.
Public Health Authorities: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI to public health authorities who are authorized by law to collect information for the purpose of protecting Public Health and Safety.
Health Oversight: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law such as audits, investigations, surveys or other activities necessary for the government to monitor government programs, compliance with civil rights laws and the health care system in general.
Lawsuits and Similar Proceedings: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI in matters of a subpoena, or other lawful process required by a court of law.
Serious Threats to Health or Safety: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI when necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. Under these circumstances, we will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.
Military: Words +, Inc. may use and disclose your PHI if you are a member of United States or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate military command authorities.
National Security: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI to federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
Inmates: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI to correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official. Disclosure for these purposes would be necessary: (a) for the institution to provide health care services to you, (b) for the safety and security of the institution, and/or (c) to protect your health and safety or the health and safety of other individuals.
Workers’ Compensation: Words +, Inc. may disclose your PHI for workers’ compensation and similar programs.
Your Rights
The Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of most of your PHI that we maintain and have in our possession, including medical records and billing records. If you request copies, we may charge you a fee for the costs of copying, mailing, labor and supplies associated with your request. To inspect and copy your PHI, you must submit your request in writing. We may deny your request under certain circumstances
The Right to Amend Your PHI: If you feel that any PHI we have about you is not correct or is incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by Words +, Inc. Your request must be in writing and must include a reason for the change. We may deny your request under certain circumstances.
The Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have a right to request an accounting of disclosures. This right applies to disclosures for purposes other than those made to carry out treatment, payment and healthcare operations as described in this Notice. Your request must be in writing and state a time period that cannot be longer that six years and cannot include any dates before April 13, 2003. Your request should indicate in what form you want the list, (e.g. paper, electronically). We may charge you for the costs of providing the list. We will notify you of the cost involved and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred.
The Right to Receive Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that Words +, Inc. communicate with you about your health and health related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. We will accommodate all reasonable requests made in writing.
The Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the PHI we use or disclose about you for treatment, payment or healthcare operations as described in this Notice. You must make this request in writing, and while we may honor your request for restriction, we are not required to agree to these restrictions.
The Right to Provide an Authorization for Other Uses and Disclosures: Words +, Inc. will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this Notice or permitted by applicable law. Any authorization you provide to us regarding the use and disclosure of your PHI may be revoked at any time in writing. After you revoke your authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your PHI for the purposes described in the authorization. Words +, Inc. will never use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.
The Right to Obtain a Paper Copy of This Notice: You have the right to request in writing and receive a paper copy of this notice.
The Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights.
Words +, Inc. is required to abide by the terms of this Notice. However, we may modify the terms of this Notice at any time. The new Notice will be effective for all PHI in our possession at the time of the change, and any received in the future. Upon written request, we will send you with a revised Notice or you can review the most current Notice on our web site at www.words-plus.com.
If you have questions or feel there has been any violation of this policy, please contact Candi George at 800-869-8521 X 209. Or you may write to:
Words +, Inc.
Attention: Candi George
42505 10th Street West,
Lancaster, CA 935344
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Words+, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simulations Plus, Inc. Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
Words+ or, words plus, produces computer software and specialized hardware for use by persons with disabilities, as well as personal productivity product called Abbreviate! for retail market. We are a technology leader in designing and developing augmentative communication and alternative communication devices for persons who cannot speak due to physical disabilities. |
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