Privacy Policy
What Is the Notice of Privacy Practices?
If you’ve visited a doctor, pharmacy or hospital recently, you were likely given a document called the Notice of Privacy Practices. You may have signed a form confirming you received it —but many people haven’t read it closely.
This notice explains your rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. It outlines how your protected health information can be used and shared, and what steps you can take if you believe your privacy has been violated.
What Counts as protected health information?
Your personal health information includes:
- Details in your medical record
- Conversations between your doctor and care team
- Health insurance information
- Billing records
Under the Privacy Rule, your written permission is required before this information can be shared. For example, your employer cannot access your health records without your consent. The same applies to information from mental health counseling sessions.
Can you choose to stay private during a hospital stay?
Yes. If you’re admitted to the hospital, you can choose to be listed — or not listed — in the hospital’s patient directory. This directory helps friends and family find your room number when they call. If you prefer to be a “no information patient,” let your nurse know right away. You’ll need to give your room number and phone number directly to loved ones. If someone calls the hospital operator asking for you, they’ll be told, “We do not have a person by that name listed as a patient at our hospital.”
Can someone else receive updates about your health?
You can designate a family member or close friend to receive health updates during your hospital stay. This person can help keep others informed and reduce the number of calls to your care team.
Why does this matter?
Your privacy is important to us at United Regional Health Care System. We encourage you to take a few minutes to read the Notice of Privacy Practices. It helps you understand how your health information is protected — and how you can stay in control.
To learn more, visit https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.
