Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Elevate Mental Health and Wellness ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services:

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, emergency contact information
• Health Information: Medical history, psychiatric diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, progress notes, lab results
• Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy numbers, billing information
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages (collected via cookies and analytics)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your psychiatric care and related services
• Payment: To obtain payment for services provided, including billing insurance companies and processing payments
• Healthcare Operations: To improve our services, train staff, conduct quality assessments, and manage our practice
• Appointment Reminders: To send appointment reminders via phone, email, or text message
• Legal Requirements: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your protected health information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you provide written authorization for specific disclosures
• Treatment Providers: With other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Insurance Companies: To process claims and verify coverage
• Business Associates: With third-party service providers (e.g., billing companies, electronic health record systems) who are contractually required to protect your information
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to prevent serious harm
• Public Health: To report certain diseases or adverse drug reactions as required by law

5. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding your protected health information:

• Right to Access: You may request to inspect and obtain a copy of your medical records
• Right to Amend: You may request corrections to your medical records if you believe they are inaccurate or incomplete
• Right to an Accounting: You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request limitations on how we use or disclose your information
• Right to Confidential Communications: You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location
• Right to a Paper Copy: You may request a paper copy of this Privacy Policy at any time

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include secure electronic health record systems, encrypted communications, access controls, staff training, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

7. Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. We use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our website, but this data is not linked to your protected health information.

8. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services for appointment scheduling (IntakeQ), payment processing, and electronic health records. These service providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information and may only use it for the purposes we specify.

9. Children's Privacy

We provide services to minors (ages 5-17) with parental or guardian consent. Parents and guardians have the right to access their child's health information, subject to applicable state and federal laws.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through a notice on our website.

11. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Our Privacy Officer at [email protected] or (865) 390-7580
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: