Privacy Policy

The following information describes how health information about you, as a patient of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

We are committed to your privacy.

At North Georgia Diabetes & Endocrinology, we are dedicated to maintaining your privacy. Maintaining the confidentiality of your health information is required by law. We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:

The following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health information:

  1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
  2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
  3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
  4. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.
  5. If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
  6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
  7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
  8. For Workers Compensation and similar programs.

Your rights regarding your health information:

  1. Communications. You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
  2. You can request via written document a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you. We will have 30 days to respond to your request.
  3. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychiatric related notes. Please submit your request in writing to Carolyn Wise, Practice Manager. Mrs.  Wise may also be reached at 770-886-3842. There may be a charge for copying medical records.
  4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to Carolyn Wise, Office Administrator. Mrs. Wise may also be reached at 770-886-3842. You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment.  We will have 30 days to respond to your request.
  5. Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this notice, contact Carolyn Wise, Practice Manager.  Mrs. Wise may also be reached at 770-886-3842.
  6. Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our practice, submit your concerns in writing to Carolyn Wise, Practice Manager. Mrs. Wise may also be reached at 770-886-3842.
  7. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint. We will respond to your correspondence within 30 days.
  8. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. Our practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.
  9. If you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information privacy policies, please contact Carolyn Wise, Practice Manager. Mrs. Wise may also be reached at 770-886-3842.