Introduction
Breathewell Pulmonary Clinic ("we," "us," "our"), located at 3450 E Fletcher Ave, Suite 260, Tampa, FL 33613, is committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA and applicable Florida state law.
Information We Collect
We collect and maintain various categories of information to provide you with quality medical care:
- Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and insurance details
- Medical Information: Health history, diagnoses, treatment records, laboratory results, imaging reports, prescriptions, and clinical notes
- Billing Information: Insurance claims, payment records, copay and deductible information, and financial data
- Digital Information: IP address, browser type, cookies, and data collected through our website
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Providing medical treatment and coordinating your respiratory care
- Processing insurance claims and managing billing
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories
- Sending appointment reminders via phone, email, or text message
- Quality improvement initiatives and medical research (with authorization)
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
How We Share Your Information
Your health information is shared only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards:
- With your explicit consent for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
- With insurance companies for claims processing and coverage verification
- With referring physicians and specialists involved in your care
- With laboratories, imaging centers, pharmacies, and other healthcare entities
- As required by law, including public health reporting, court orders, and law enforcement requests
- We never sell your personal information to third parties
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have important rights regarding your health information:
- Right to Access: You may request and receive a copy of your medical records
- Right to Amendment: You may request corrections or amendments to your health information
- Right to Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your information
- Right to Confidential Communication: You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or locations
- Right to Accounting: You may receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information
- Right to a Paper Copy: You are entitled to receive a paper copy of this notice upon request
- Right to File a Complaint: You may file a complaint with our practice or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Website Privacy
Our website uses cookies and analytics to improve your experience. We use these technologies to understand how visitors use our site and to enhance functionality. Our website uses SSL encryption to protect data transmitted through online forms. Any personal information you submit through our website is treated with the same confidentiality as your medical records. Please note that external links to third-party websites are provided for your convenience, but we are not responsible for their privacy practices.
Data Security
We implement comprehensive safeguards to protect your information:
- Physical safeguards including secure office access and locked storage of records
- Electronic safeguards including encrypted electronic health records and secure data transmission
- Procedural safeguards including staff training and access controls
- Regular HIPAA compliance training for all staff members
- Breach notification procedures in accordance with HIPAA requirements to notify affected individuals in case of unauthorized access
Telehealth Privacy
When you use our telehealth services, your privacy is protected with the same standards as in-person visits. We use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms that encrypt your communications. Telehealth sessions are not recorded without your explicit written consent. You have the same rights and protections under HIPAA whether you receive care in person or through telehealth.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
Breathewell Pulmonary Clinic
Privacy Officer
3450 E Fletcher Ave, Suite 260
Tampa, FL 33613
Phone: (813) 419-3108
Email: office@breathewellmd.com
To file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
www.hhs.gov/ocr
Privacy Policy. Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information.
