Your PHI may be used or disclosed by our physician, office staff, or others involved in your care and treatment, whether providing healthcare services to you, paying your healthcare bills, supporting the operation of our practice, or any other lawful use. Treatment: We will use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate or manage your healthcare and related services. This includes the coordination or management of your healthcare by a third party. For example, your PHI may be given to a physician you have been referred to in order to ensure that he or she has the necessary information to diagnose or treat you. Healthcare Operations: We may use or disclose your PHI to support our business activities. These activities may include quality assessment, employee review, and conducting or arranging other business activities. We may also use a sign-in sheet at the registration desk where you will be asked to sign your name and indicate your physician. We may call you by name in our reception area when your physician is ready to see you. We may use or disclose your PHI, as necessary, to contact you to remind you of your appointment. We may phone your home and leave a message (on an answering machine or with the person answering the phone) to remind you of an upcoming appointment, the need to schedule a new appointment or to call our office. We may also mail a postcard reminder or letter to your home address. Please tell us if you prefer that we call or contact you at another phone number or location. We may use or disclose your PHI under the following circumstances without your authorization. These include, as required by law: • Public health issues • Communicable diseases • Health oversight • Abuse or neglect • Food and Drug Administration requirements • Legal proceedings • Law enforcement • Coroners, funeral directors, and organ donation • Medical research • Criminal activity; prison inmates • Military Activity and national security • Workers’ Compensation Required Uses and Disclosures: The law requires us to disclose to you when we are investigated by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to determine our compliance with HIPAA. Other permitted and required uses and disclosures will be made only with your consent, authorization, or opportunity to object unless required by law. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time except to the extent that your physician or the physician’s practice has taken action in reliance on the use or disclosure indicated in your authorization. Payment: Your PHI will be used, as needed, to obtain payment for healthcare services. For example, obtaining approval for a hospital stay may require that your relevant PHI be disclosed to your health insurance plan to obtain approval for a hospital admission or a health-related procedure.