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.
Effective Date: May 1, 2026
At South Valley Vascular, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy of your protected health information (PHI). We understand that your medical information is sensitive and personal. We are dedicated to ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and security.
We may revise this Notice of Privacy Practices from time to time. If revisions occur, we will provide notice to you through our practice, by posting the current notice in our office, and on our website at www.southvalleyvascular.com.
The current Notice of Privacy Practices is always available in our office and on our website.
Our practice may use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:
Treatment: We may share your PHI with other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as referrals to specialists, laboratories, or hospitals.
Payment: Your PHI may be used to bill and collect payment for services rendered, including submitting claims to your health insurance provider, obtaining prior authorizations, and collections.
Health Care Operations: We may use your PHI for our business operations, including quality improvement activities, staff training, audits, accreditation, and administrative functions.
Appointment Reminders: We may contact you via phone, text, or other messages to remind you of your upcoming appointments.
Treatment Alternatives and Health-Related Benefits: We may provide you with information about treatment options or health-related programs that may benefit you.
Individuals Involved in Your Care: We may share your information with family members or friends you designate, or in emergency situations to inform them of your condition.
Research: We may use or disclose de-identified data for research or with approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
As Required by Law: We may disclose your PHI as required by state or federal law, including court orders, subpoenas, law enforcement requests, public health authorities, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), workers' compensation claims, and national security matters.
Serious Threats to Health or Safety: We may disclose your PHI in instances where there is a serious threat to your health or safety, or that of others.
Certain uses and disclosures of your PHI require your written authorization, including:
You have the right to revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except where we have already relied upon it.
You have several rights regarding your health information under HIPAA:
Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to request access to your PHI. We will respond to your request within 30 days. We may charge a fee for copies in accordance with state law. You cannot access certain information, such as psychotherapy notes.
Right to Amend: You have the right to request amendments to your PHI. If we deny your request, we will provide you with the reasons for the denial.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of disclosures made by us for purposes other than treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (TPO) for the past six years.
Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on our use or disclosure of your PHI. While we consider your request, we are not required to agree to it, except for specific self-pay restrictions per 45 CFR 164.522(a)(1)(vi).
Right to Request Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you using alternative methods or at alternative locations.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice: You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
Right to Be Notified of a Breach: You will receive notification if your unsecured PHI is breached.
We have the following duties:
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer:
Stacie Johnson, Privacy Officer
820 S. Akers Street Suite 120
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: (559) 625-4118
Email: sjohnson@southvalleyvascular.com
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by visiting ocrportal.hhs.gov or calling 1-800-368-1019. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.
For any questions or concerns regarding this Notice or your rights, please contact:
Stacie Johnson, Privacy Officer
820 S. Akers Street Suite 120
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: (559) 625-4118
Email: sjohnson@southvalleyvascular.com