Table of Contents
1. Introduction
HC Rehabilitation Center ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website hcrehabcenter.com or use our healthcare services at our Tampa, Florida location.
This policy applies to all patients, visitors, and users of our services and outlines our practices concerning the collection and use of Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.
Important Notice
As a healthcare provider, we are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. We will comply with the terms of this notice and all applicable federal and Florida state laws.
2. Information We Collect
We collect several types of information from and about patients and website visitors, including:
Personal Information
- Name, date of birth, gender, and contact information
- Social Security Number (for insurance purposes)
- Insurance information and policy numbers
- Emergency contact information
- Billing and payment information
Health Information
- Medical history and current health conditions
- Treatment plans and progress notes
- Laboratory and diagnostic test results
- Medication lists and allergies
- Vaccination records
Website Usage Information
- IP address, browser type, and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website information
- Form submissions and appointment requests
Consent for Treatment
By signing our intake forms and consent for treatment documents, you authorize us to collect, use, and disclose your health information as described in this policy and as necessary for your treatment, payment for services, and healthcare operations.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare and any related services. This includes sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Payment
To bill and collect payment for services rendered. This may include sharing information with your insurance company, Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payers.
Healthcare Operations
To improve the quality of care, train staff, conduct quality assessments, and manage our business operations.
Appointment Reminders
To contact you about upcoming appointments, test results, or treatment follow-ups.
Website Improvement
To analyze website usage and improve our online services and patient experience.
Legal Requirements
To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
4. Information Disclosure
We may disclose your health information in the following circumstances:
With Your Consent
We will disclose your information when you provide written authorization, except where prohibited by law.
For Treatment
To other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as specialists, laboratories, or pharmacies.
For Payment
To insurance companies, government programs, or other entities responsible for payment.
For Healthcare Operations
To business associates who perform services on our behalf under written agreements that protect your information.
As Required by Law
When required by federal, state, or local laws, including:
- Public health activities and reporting
- Judicial and administrative proceedings
- Law enforcement purposes
- Workers' compensation claims
Restricted Disclosures
We will not sell, rent, or lease your personal health information to third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit written authorization.
5. HIPAA Compliance
HC Rehabilitation Center is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations. Our compliance measures include:
Privacy Rule Compliance
- Implementation of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
- Regular workforce training on privacy policies
- Designation of a Privacy Officer responsible for compliance
- Development and maintenance of comprehensive privacy practices
Security Rule Compliance
- Risk analysis and management programs
- Access controls and authentication procedures
- Encryption of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI)
- Regular security assessments and audits
Breach Notification
In the event of a breach of unsecured Protected Health Information, we will notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services, and, in some cases, the media, as required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:
Physical Security
- Secured facility access controls
- Locked file cabinets for paper records
- Surveillance systems at our Tampa location
- Secure destruction of physical records
Technical Security
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Secure electronic medical records system
- Regular security updates and patches
- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Administrative Security
- Limited access based on job responsibilities
- Regular security training for all staff
- Background checks for employees
- Business Associate Agreements with third parties
Website Security
Our website uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect information transmitted through our online forms. While we implement reasonable security measures, no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights Regarding Health Information
You have the following rights concerning your health information:
Right to Access
You may request to view or obtain copies of your health records. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copies.
Right to Amend
You may request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures we made of your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information, though we are not required to agree to all restrictions.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you about health matters in a certain way or at a certain location.
Right to a Paper Copy
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this privacy notice at any time.
Right to Complain
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
To Exercise Your Rights
Submit a written request to:
Privacy Officer
HC Rehabilitation Center
2512 W Virginia Ave
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 353-1380
Email: privacy@hcrehabcenter.com
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as insurance providers, medical resources, or patient education materials. These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies.
We have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
External Website Disclaimer
The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by HC Rehabilitation Center. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.
10. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
For pediatric patients, health information is collected from parents or legal guardians with appropriate consent. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and all applicable Florida laws regarding minor consent for healthcare services.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this privacy policy at any time. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Make the updated notice available at our facility
- Provide patients with the updated notice at their next visit, if significant changes occur
We encourage you to review this privacy policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Material Changes
If we make material changes to how we use or disclose Protected Health Information, we will notify you directly and obtain your acknowledgment of the revised policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
By Mail
Privacy Officer
HC Rehabilitation Center
2512 W Virginia Ave
Tampa, FL 33607
By Phone or Email
Phone: (813) 353-1380
Fax: (813) 353-1381
Email: privacy@hcrehabcenter.com
We will respond to all inquiries within 30 days of receipt.
Notice of Privacy Practices
A printed copy of this Privacy Policy is available at our Tampa facility. You may also request a copy by contacting our Privacy Officer.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of .
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