Introduction
At Calming Currents Mental Health LLC, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines the manner in which we collect, use, store, and disclose your information, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and specific privacy protections for residents of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Information We Collect
When you interact with our practice, we collect both personal and health-related information to facilitate your care and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This may include personal details such as your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and mailing address. We may also request insurance and billing information, as well as emergency contact details. In addition, we collect health information necessary for your treatment, such as medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and appointment records.
When you visit our website, we may collect non-identifying information that helps us improve our services. This includes your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site. We use this data to understand how users interact with our website and to enhance your browsing experience.
Use of Your Information
The information we collect is used for several purposes. We use personal and health information to provide you with the mental health care you seek, to coordinate your treatment, and to manage your appointments. Additionally, your data is used to process billing and insurance claims and to communicate with you regarding your care. We may also use your information to improve our website and the services we offer, as well as to comply with legal requirements.
Your personal and health information will only be used in accordance with this Privacy Policy, and we ensure that all uses of your information are consistent with the terms under which it was collected.
How We Protect Your Information
We take the protection of your personal and health information seriously. We employ various administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to secure your information. These measures include secure storage of health records, encrypted communication channels, and access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel handle your data. Our team members are trained to understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality, and we adhere to the standards required under HIPAA.
In the event of a data breach, we will notify you promptly as required by law and take necessary steps to mitigate any potential risks to your information.
Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. However, we may disclose your information in certain circumstances. We will disclose your personal and health information with your consent when necessary for your care. For example, we may share information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment or with your insurance company to process claims.
There are also circumstances where we are required by law to disclose your information. These include instances where disclosure is mandated by a court order or subpoena, or when necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others, such as reporting suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
Your Rights Under HIPAA and State Laws
Under HIPAA, you have several important rights regarding your personal and health information. You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your health records, typically within 30 days of your request. You also have the right to request corrections to your records if they are inaccurate or incomplete. You may request restrictions on how your information is used and disclosed, and you can request that we communicate with you in specific ways to maintain your privacy.
You also have the right to receive an accounting of disclosures, which is a record of who has accessed your information outside of routine care. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.
State-Specific Privacy Laws: Wisconsin and Minnesota
In addition to the protections offered by HIPAA, both Wisconsin and Minnesota have specific laws that provide further protections for your health information.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin law provides additional privacy protections for mental health records. We are required to obtain your written authorization before releasing any mental health treatment records to third parties, including other healthcare providers. There are certain exceptions, such as in emergency situations or when disclosure is required by law. You also have the right to access and amend your mental health records under Wisconsin law.
Minnesota: Minnesota has its own set of privacy laws that govern the disclosure of health information, especially mental health records. Similar to Wisconsin, Minnesota law mandates that we obtain your written consent before sharing your mental health records, except in specific circumstances. Minnesota law also grants you the right to review and receive a copy of your health records, request amendments, and obtain an accounting of disclosures.
Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and to gather non-identifiable data about how visitors interact with our site. This data helps us improve our website functionality and user interface. You have the option to block cookies through your browser settings, but doing so may affect your ability to use certain features of the website.
Telehealth Services
For those receiving telehealth services, we utilize HIPAA-compliant platforms that provide secure video conferencing. We strongly recommend that you attend telehealth appointments in a private setting to safeguard your confidentiality. We do not record telehealth sessions without your express consent.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, operations, or to comply with changes in the law. When we make changes to this Privacy Policy, we will post the revised version on our website with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or would like to exercise any of your rights under HIPAA or applicable state laws, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Calming Currents Mental Health LLC
1810 Crest View Dr, Ste 6A
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715) 402-4562
Email: info@calmingcurrentspsychiatry.com
Website: www.calmingcurrentspsychiatry.com