The following categories describe different ways that we may use and disclose medical information. For each category of uses or disclosures we will try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed.

For Treatment. A nurse or medical assistant obtains treatment information about you and records it in a health record. During the course of your treatment, the physician determines that he/she will share the information with a specialist and obtain his/her input.

For Payment. We submit requests for payment to your health insurance company. The health insurance company or business associate helping us obtain payment requests information from us regarding the medical care given. We will provide information to them about you and the care provided.

After unsuccessful attempts at collecting for services rendered, we employ the assistance of a Collection Agency. We will provide pertinent information to them about you.

For Health Care Operations. We may obtain services from business associates such as quality assessment, quality improvement, outcome evaluation, protocol and clinical guidelines development, training programs, credentialing, medical review, and legal.

Appointment Reminders. We may use and disclose medical information to contact you as a reminder that you have an appointment for treatment or medical care.

Treatment Alternatives. We may use and disclose medical information to tell you about or recommend possible treatment options or alternatives that may be of interest to you.

Health-Related Benefits and Services. We may use and disclose medical information to tell you about health-related benefits or services that may be of interest to you, including Clinical Research.

Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care. We may release medical information about you to a family member or friend who is involved in your medical care. We may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care In addition, we may disclose medical information about you to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort so that your family can be notified about your condition, status and location.

Research. We may disclose information to researchers when their research has been approved by an institutional review board that has reviewed the research proposal and established protocols to ensure the privacy of your medical information.

As Required By Law. We will disclose medical information about you when required to do so by federal, state or local law.

To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety. We may use and disclose medical information about you when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent the threat.