HIPAA Privacy Policy
Learn about your privacy rights and how Citizens Medical Center protects your health information in accordance with federal HIPAA regulations.
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law enacted in 1996 that establishes national standards to protect sensitive patient health information.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights oversees compliance with HIPAA regulations. Healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses must follow these rules to protect your privacy.
At Citizens Medical Center, we take your privacy seriously and have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure your health information remains confidential and secure.
HIPAA Was Established To:
Insurance Portability
Safeguard employees insurance coverage during job transitions, ensuring continuous healthcare access.
Privacy & Security
Protect the confidentiality and security of patient health records from unauthorized access.
National Standards
Create uniform standards for digital healthcare transactions across all providers.
System Efficiency
Enhance healthcare system efficiency and effectiveness through standardized processes.
What Information is Protected?
HIPAA privacy rules protect individually identifiable health information, including:
Medical Records
All medical records in any format, including paper documents and electronic health records.
Verbal Communications
Conversations between you and your healthcare providers about your health conditions.
Health Conditions
Details about past, present, or future physical and mental health conditions.
Research Data
Research data that identifies specific individuals participating in studies.
Rights Under HIPAA
HIPAA gives you important rights regarding your health information. You have the right to:
Access Your Records
You have the right to examine and obtain copies of your health information.
Request Amendments
You can request corrections to your medical records if you believe information is inaccurate.
Control Disclosures
You have the right to control how your health information is shared with others.
Receive Notice
You must be notified of our privacy practices and any breaches of your information.
Request Restrictions
You can request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information.
Confidential Communications
You can request that we communicate with you through alternative means or locations.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Our Notice of Privacy Practices document describes in detail how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. This notice applies to all records of your care generated at Citizens Medical Center.
How We May Use Your Information
Uses Without Your Authorization
- Treatment - Sharing information with healthcare providers involved in your care
- Payment - Submitting claims to your insurance company
- Healthcare Operations - Quality improvement and administrative activities
- As Required by Law - Reporting to public health authorities or law enforcement
Uses Requiring Your Authorization
- Marketing purposes
- Sale of your health information
- Most uses of psychotherapy notes
- Sharing with third parties for purposes unrelated to your care
You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.
Contact Our Privacy Officer
If you have questions about our privacy practices or wish to exercise any of your rights under HIPAA, please contact our Privacy Officer. We are committed to addressing your concerns and protecting your health information.
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Filing a complaint will not affect your care at Citizens Medical Center.
Privacy Officer Contact
Phone
(361) 573-9181Address
2701 Hospital DriveVictoria, TX 77901
File a Complaint
To file a complaint with the federal government:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services