HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices  
Blue Ribbon Dermatology  
1150 N Watters Rd.
Suite 105
Allen, TX 75013  

Effective Date: February 27th, 2025

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY
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Who Will Follow This Notice?  This Notice describes the privacy practices of Blue Ribbon Dermatology and applies to:
- All employees, staff, and volunteers
- Any healthcare professionals authorized to enter information into your medical records
- All business associates (e.g., billing services) who handle protected health information (PHI) on our behalf
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We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Follow the terms of this notice currently in effect
- Notify you if a breach occurs that compromises the privacy or security of your PHI

1. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI  
We may use and share your PHI in the following ways:
For Treatment: We may use your PHI to provide medical care and share it with healthcare professionals involved in your treatment.
For Payment: We may use and share your PHI to bill and collect payment for the services provided to you. This includes disclosing necessary information to your insurance provider.
For Healthcare Operations: We may use your PHI for business operations, such as improving our services, evaluating staff performance, or conducting audits.

With Business Associates:
We may share PHI with trusted third parties, such as billing services or IT providers, who assist us in operations under strict confidentiality agreements.
For Research Purposes: We may use PHI for research purposes as permitted by law, with appropriate privacy safeguards in place.
As Required by Law: We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law, including Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 181.
For Public Health and Safety: We may share PHI with health agencies to report communicable diseases or other health threats.
For Health Oversight Activities: We may provide PHI to health oversight agencies for audits, investigations, or licensing reviews.
For Legal and Law Enforcement Purposes: We may disclose PHI in response to subpoenas, court orders, or to law enforcement as required by law.
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In Case of a Data Breach: We will notify you by mail, email, or website notice if your PHI is compromised, in accordance with Texas law.

2. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

Under HIPAA and Texas law, you have the following rights:
Right to Access and Copy Records: You may request copies of your medical records by submitting a written request to our office. Reasonable fees may apply for copying and mailing.
Right to Request Amendments: If you believe your medical records are incorrect or incomplete, you may request a correction through our patient portal (ModMed EMA) or in writing.
Right to Request Restrictions: We generally do not allow restrictions on PHI disclosure unless legally required to do so.
Right to Request Confidential Communications: You may request that we contact you by email, text, or phone for appointment reminders, test results, or billing. You may opt out of electronic communications where required by law.
Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact Blue Ribbon Dermatology directly. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) without fear of retaliation.

3. Retention of Medical Records  

In compliance with Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 159, we retain:
- Adult medical records for at least 7 years
- Minors’ records until the patient turns 21 + 7 years
After this period, records may be securely disposed of in accordance with legal guidelines.

4. Changes to This Notice  

We reserve the right to update this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. The revised version will be available at our office and on our website at www.blueribbonderm.com.

5. Contact Us  

If you have any questions about this Notice or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

Blue Ribbon Dermatology  
1150 N Watters Rd.
Suite 105
Allen, TX 75013  

Phone: 469-331-3242  
Fax: 469-331-3243  
Email: info@blueribbonderm.com  

Thank you for trusting Blue Ribbon Dermatology with your care.