Respectful care includes clear communication and appropriate protection of health information. This page summarizes patient privacy topics and practical ways to ask questions. Request the treating provider's current Notice of Privacy Practices for the policy that applies to your care.
Your Health Information
HIPAA sets privacy protections and individual rights for information held by covered health plans and providers. Depending on the circumstances, information may be used or shared for treatment, payment, health care operations or other purposes permitted or required by law. Other uses may require an authorization.
Requests You Can Discuss
- Access to or a copy of your medical records.
- A request to amend information you believe is incorrect.
- Confidential communication arrangements.
- Certain restrictions on sharing information.
- An accounting of certain disclosures.
- A copy of the applicable privacy notice.
Participating in Care
Ask for explanations of proposed tests and treatments, including alternatives. Tell the team about communication needs or any difficulty following the plan. If you are acting for another patient, ask what evidence of authority is needed.
Questions and Complaints
Contact the clinic for its privacy contact and current complaint process. You can also review HHS information about privacy rights and complaints.