Notice of Privacy Practices and Client Rights


Last Updated: 12/6/24

This notice describes how your medical information may be used, disclosed, and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.

At Able Psychiatry, we are committed to protecting your privacy and managing your
confidential information in accordance with Illinois and federal law, including the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Privacy Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or your rights, contact Able Psychiatry at
773-906-4546.

Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information

To provide you with quality care, there are times when your confidential information may be used or disclosed as permitted by law. These uses include:

1. Treatment
We may use or disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. This may include consulting with or referring you to another healthcare provider.

2. Payment
With your written consent, we may use or disclose your information to bill and collect payment for the services we provide. This includes contacting your insurance company for prior approval, submitting claims, or discussing payment issues. If you pay for services out-of-pocket in full, you may request that we not disclose information to your insurance.

3. Healthcare Operations
We may use or disclose your health information for operational purposes, including staff training, quality assessments, and coordination of care.

Use of Messaging Services

We use messaging services, such as Nimblr/Holly AI, to facilitate communication through text messages. This includes reminders for appointments, updates about your care, and other health-related communications. These communications are conducted in compliance with HIPAA and 10DLC regulations.

1. Consent for Messaging

  • We will only send messages if you provide explicit consent.
  • Consent may be obtained through written agreements or electronic forms.

2. Opt-Out Mechanism

  • You have the right to opt out of receiving messages at any time.
  • To opt out, reply "STOP" to any text message, or contact us directly at 773-906-4546.

3. Data Protection

  • All data transmitted through messaging services is encrypted and secured to meet HIPAA standards.
  • We take measures to ensure the confidentiality of your information during transmission.

Disclosures Without Your Consent

Certain disclosures are allowed or required by law without your written authorization:

1. Emergencies
Information may be disclosed as necessary to manage an immediate emergency.

2. Follow-Up Care
We may contact you to remind you of appointments or provide information about treatment alternatives unless you request otherwise.

3. Legal Requirements
Information may be disclosed if required by law, such as in response to subpoenas, court
orders, or mandatory reporting (e.g., communicable diseases, child abuse, or elder abuse).

4. Public Health and Oversight
We may disclose information to public health authorities or government agencies for activities such as audits, inspections, and investigations.

5. Criminal Activity or Danger
If a crime occurs on our premises or against our staff, or if we believe there is an immediate danger to someone's safety, we may disclose relevant information to law enforcement.

6. Coroners and Medical Examiners
Information may be shared about the circumstances of your death for official investigations.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your health information:

1. Access to Records
You may inspect or request a copy of your medical records. Fees for copying and mailing may apply, including specific rates for extensive records.

2. Amendment
You may request an amendment to your records if you believe they are incorrect or incomplete. If your request is denied, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement.

3. Restrictions
You may request restrictions on how your information is used or disclosed. We will consider your request but are not legally obligated to agree to it.

4. Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you via a specific method or location (e.g., phone, email, mailing address).

5. Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures made outside of treatment, payment, or operations. Requests must be in writing, and fees may apply for repeated requests.

6. Breach Notification
You will be notified if there is a breach of your unsecured protected health information.

7. Complaint Filing
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Able
Psychiatry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited.

Client Rights

As a client, you have the following rights:

  1. To not be denied services based on age, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, HIV status, or criminal record.
  2. To receive services in the least restrictive environment pursuant to an individualized treatment plan.
  3. To confidentiality of your status and records, including HIV status, as protected under Illinois law.
  4. To provide informed consent for treatment or refuse treatment and be informed of the consequences.
  5. To file a grievance if you believe your rights have been violated.

Grievance Process
To file a grievance, please submit a written complaint to:

Able Psychiatry
561 W Diversey Pkwy, Ste 213
Chicago, IL 60614

Changes to This Policy

Able Psychiatry reserves the right to revise this policy to reflect changes in law or practice.
Updates will be posted in our office and on our website, and a revised policy will be provided upon request