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NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Marcy Alvarez, DO, PA dba Lincoln Road Dermatology
Phone: 305-397-8622
Website: www.lincolnderm.com
Effective Date: Jan 7, 2024

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UNDERSTANDING HOW WE PROTECT YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
Your health information is personal, and we are committed to protecting your privacy. This notice explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed and outlines your rights under the law.

 

YOUR RIGHTS AS A PATIENT
You have important rights regarding your health information, including:

• Access: You can request a copy of your medical record in paper or electronic format.

• Correction: You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information in your records.

• Confidential Communications: You can request that we contact you in specific ways or at specific locations (e.g., alternate phone numbers or mailing addresses).

• Restrictions: You can ask us to limit the information we use or share. While we will consider your request, we may not always be able to grant it if it impacts your care.

• Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a list of when and with whom your information was shared, except for routine disclosures related to treatment, payment, or operations.

• Privacy Notice: You can request a copy of this notice at any time, even if you previously agreed to receive it electronically.

• Representation: If you have a legal representative or guardian, they can exercise these rights on your behalf with proper authorization.

• Complaints: You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

 

HOW WE USE AND SHARE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
We may use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
  Example: Sharing test results with a specialist treating you.

• Payment: To bill and collect payment from your health plan or other entities.
  Example: Submitting a claim to your insurance for services provided.

• Operations: To run our practice and improve the quality of care.
  Example: Reviewing patient information to evaluate and improve our services.

We may also disclose your information as required or permitted by law, including:

• Public health reporting (e.g., disease prevention, reporting adverse reactions).

• Legal requirements (e.g., responding to court orders or subpoenas).

• Addressing law enforcement or government requests.

• Supporting organ or tissue donation efforts.

• Assisting medical examiners or funeral directors when necessary.

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YOUR PRIVACY UNDER FLORIDA LAW
Florida law provides additional protections for sensitive health information, such as mental health, HIV/AIDS status, and substance use treatment. In these cases, we will only disclose information with your written authorization unless otherwise permitted by law.

 

REQUESTING YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
We are committed to making your health records accessible.

• How to Request: Submit a written request to our office or use the Medical Records Request Form available on our website at www.lincolnderm.com/patient-resources.

• Free Access: You can access certain records free of charge through our patient portal.

• Continuity of Care: Records transferred directly to another healthcare provider for continuity of care are provided at no cost.

• Copying Fees: For other requests, we comply with Florida law, charging $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages and $0.25 per page thereafter. For non-paper records (e.g., x-rays), we charge based on the actual cost of reproduction.

 

MARKETING AND YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
We may use your health information to inform you about services, products, or programs that may benefit your care or wellness. This may include:

• Information about new treatments or services offered by our practice.

• Updates on cosmetic or elective procedures.

• Invitations to events or educational seminars hosted by our office.

Your Rights Regarding Marketing:

• We will not share or sell your health information to third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit written authorization.

• You have the right to opt-out of receiving marketing communications at any time.

If you choose to opt-out, please contact us at 305-397-8622 or email info@lincolnderm.com.

 

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

• We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information.

• We will not use or share your information for purposes not outlined here without your written authorization.

• You may revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written request.

 

FILING A COMPLAINT
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint:

• Directly with Our Office: Contact our Privacy and Security Officer, Dr. Marcy Alvarez, at 305-397-8622.

• With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints or call 1-877-696-6775.

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

 

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE
We may update this notice at any time. Changes will apply to all the information we have about you. The latest version will always be available upon request, in our office, and on our website at www.lincolnderm.com/patient-resources.

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