PRIVACY
AND FEE-FOR-SERVICE CLIENTS
Minneapolis Therapy and Marriage Counseling is concerned about your privacy.
For clients who are especially interested in privacy and confidentiality,
Minneapolis Therapy and Marriage Counseling allows discretion and prudence.
Our therapy practice is not connected to a larger system. Our reasonable
fee-for-service rates provide an option for individuals who do not want
insurance involvement or electronic medical record keeping. When private
payment arrangements are made, therapy is strictly between client and
therapist and not part of a larger system with numerous personnel. We
have found some clients are especially concerned about their privacy
rights, and therefore appreciate this option.
Please note: Minneapolis Therapy and Marriage Counseling is a mandated
reporting agency and adheres to all legal, judicial, and health safety
regulations. Upon initiation of therapy, each client is given an explanation
of limits of confidentiality and legal situations in which privacy cannot
be protected.
HIPAA
HIPAA (Heath Insurance and
Portability and Accountability Act) mandates that all health
care entities post their policy regarding their privacy
practices and clients sign their names stating they received
this policy. This notification became law October 15, 2003.
This document explains how, when and with whom your health information will be
shared. The goal of this act is to provide a higher level of confidentiality
and protection regarding your health information. |
 |
When your health
information can be shared without your written
authorization:
Health information can be shared for purposes of treatment, payment
or health care operations.
|
Other instances include:
* Mandated reporting for
victims of abuse or neglect
* Public health activities
* Judicial proceedings
* Law enforcement activities
* Notification to family members/friends when it is in
the best interest of the client (when you are a danger
to yourself or others)
* When your written authorization is needed to share your health information
in instances of marketing, medical research or fundraising. |
Please note: Health information
does not include therapists’ notes taken during individual
therapy sessions, unless mandated by judicial proceedings.
Minneapolis Therapy and Marriage
Counseling pledges
to uphold the HIPAA privacy Act: The protection of your
health information is of primary importance to us. If you
have any questions regarding this issue, please do not
hesitate to talk to your therapist. We can provide you
with additional resources defining and explaining the privacy
act. If you feel your privacy rights have been violated
and wish to complain, please speak to your therapist, insurance
provider or the Office of Civil Rights. |
