Privacy Policy
Effective Date: November 2024
Pivot Pointe Counseling Center, PLLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal and health information of our clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website or receive services from our counseling center. We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws.
Information We Collect
We collect several types of information, including:
a. Personal Information: Name, contact details (email, phone number, address), date of birth, and payment information.
b. Protected Health Information (PHI): Medical history, mental health records, treatment notes, and other health-related data collected during the course of providing counseling services.
c. Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage through cookies or similar technologies.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
a. To Provide Counseling Services: PHI is used to create personalized treatment plans, track progress, and coordinate care.
b. Appointment Scheduling and Reminders: We may use your contact information to schedule sessions, send appointment reminders, or notify you about changes to your service.
c. Billing and Payment: Your personal and health insurance information may be used for billing, claims processing, and payment collection.
d. Communication: We use your contact information to respond to inquiries or provide relevant information about services and offerings.
e. Website Usage: We collect data to enhance website performance, security, and user experience.
Disclosure of Information
Your information may be disclosed only in the following situations:
a. With Your Consent: We may disclose your information with your written authorization.
b. For Treatment, Payment, or Healthcare Operations: Information may be shared with other healthcare providers, insurers, or third-party billing services as part of treatment and care.
c. Required by Law: We may disclose information if required by legal authorities, such as for court orders, subpoenas, or health oversight agencies.
d. To Prevent Harm: We may disclose information if we believe it’s necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others, in cases such as threats of violence or abuse.
HIPAA Compliance
As a healthcare provider, we comply with HIPAA’s privacy and security rules, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your PHI. This includes:
a. Privacy Rule: We protect your PHI from unauthorized access or disclosure, and you have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures.
b. Security Rule: We implement physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your electronic health records (EHR) from breaches, theft, or unauthorized access.
c. Breach Notification Rule: In the event of a breach that compromises your PHI, we will notify you promptly in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
As a client, you have specific rights regarding your health information, including:
a. Access: You have the right to request and obtain copies of your PHI.
b. Amendments: You may request corrections or updates to your records if you believe there are inaccuracies.
c. Restrictions: You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI.
d. Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a particular way (e.g., only via email or phone).
e. Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a report on how your PHI has been shared, except for uses related to treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
f. File a Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated.
Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect your information:
a. Encryption: We encrypt sensitive data, such as your PHI and payment information, both at rest and in transit.
b. Secure Access: Only authorized personnel with appropriate credentials have access to your PHI.
c. Regular Audits: We regularly monitor our systems for vulnerabilities and perform audits to ensure compliance with privacy and security standards.
Third-Party Service Providers
We may use third-party services to assist with certain functions (e.g., cloud storage, billing platforms). These providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality of your information and comply with HIPAA standards.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to collect non-identifiable information to improve the user experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by posting the new policy on our website with the effective date. Continued use of our services following any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, your privacy rights, or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Pivot Pointe Counseling Center, PLLC
4400 NE 77th Ave.
Suite 275 #1563
Vancouver, WA 98662-6857
Phone: 360-200-8552
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pivotpointe.org
© Copyright 2024 Pivot Pointe Counseling Center. All rights reserved.