HIPAA COMPLIANCE
Effective Date: July 6, 2026
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Dr. Barbara Newlon is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information. This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (“PHI”), your rights regarding that information, and our legal obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Protected Health Information includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, the healthcare services you receive, or payment for those services.
Our Responsibilities
We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information.
- Provide you with this Notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised your protected health information.
- Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
Treatment
We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare.
Examples include:
- Consulting with specialists
- Coordinating laboratory testing
- Referring you to other healthcare providers
- Sharing information with pharmacies
Payment
We may use or disclose your information to obtain payment for services provided.
Examples include:
- Billing insurance companies
- Verifying insurance coverage
- Processing claims
- Collecting outstanding balances
Healthcare Operations
We may use your information to support the operation of our practice.
Examples include:
- Quality improvement
- Staff training
- Licensing and accreditation
- Audits
- Business planning
- Administrative activities
Appointment Reminders
We may contact you to remind you about upcoming appointments.
This may include:
- Telephone calls
- Voice messages
- Text messages
- Emails
- Mailed reminder cards
Treatment Alternatives and Health-Related Services
We may contact you regarding:
- Follow-up care
- Preventive health services
- Wellness recommendations
- Other treatment options that may benefit you
Individuals Involved in Your Care
Unless you object, we may share relevant information with family members, caregivers, or others involved in your care or payment for your care.
Required by Law
We may disclose your health information when required by federal, state, or local law.
Examples include:
- Court orders
- Public health reporting
- Law enforcement requests
- Workers’ compensation
- Government oversight activities
Public Health Activities
We may disclose information for public health purposes, including:
- Reporting diseases
- Preventing or controlling disease
- Reporting adverse reactions to medications
- Reporting suspected abuse or neglect when required by law
Health Oversight Activities
Government agencies may receive information during audits, inspections, investigations, or licensure reviews.
Law Enforcement
We may disclose information when required or permitted by law for law enforcement purposes.
Research
Certain research studies may use health information when approved under applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
Organ and Tissue Donation
If applicable, information may be shared with organizations involved in organ or tissue donation.
Serious Threat to Health or Safety
We may disclose information if necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to your health or safety or the safety of another person.
Military and National Security
If applicable under federal law, information may be disclosed for specialized government functions.
Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your information for purposes not otherwise permitted by law.
Examples include:
- Most marketing communications
- Sale of protected health information
- Most uses of psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except where action has already been taken.
Your Rights
Right to Inspect and Obtain Copies
You have the right to inspect and receive copies of your medical records, subject to certain legal limitations.
Right to Request Corrections
If you believe your health information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request that it be corrected.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request that we contact you in a particular way or at a particular location.
Examples include:
- Calling only your mobile phone
- Sending mail to an alternate address
- Communicating through secure electronic methods when available
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your information.
Although we are not always required to agree, we will comply when required by law.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures of your Protected Health Information made by our practice.
Right to a Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you previously received it electronically.
Right to Choose Someone to Act for You
If you have granted someone medical power of attorney or another legal representative has authority to act for you, that individual may exercise your rights on your behalf.
Our Right to Change This Notice
We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time.
Any updated Notice will apply to all health information maintained by our practice and will be available in our office and on our website.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice without fear of retaliation.
You may also file a complaint with:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Notice or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:
Dr. Barbara Newlon
Website: https://drbarbaranewlon.com/
Phone: 415-459-2522
Email: drbarbaranewlon@gmail.com
Office Address: 655 Redwood Highway, Suite 285, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Acknowledgement
Patients may be asked to sign an acknowledgement indicating they have received a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. Signing the acknowledgement does not waive any of your rights under HIPAA.
