This Privacy Policy explains how Dr. Sokkar’s clinic collects, uses, and safeguards your personal and Protected Health Information (PHI). We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your data, strictly adhering to the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to provide comprehensive psychiatric and medical services. This includes:
Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth.
Insurance and Billing Information: Policy numbers, carrier details, and financial data for billing purposes.
Health Information (PHI): Medical history, diagnoses, treatment notes, and current medication lists.
Website Usage Data: Non-personal data collected automatically (see Section 5).
HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)
All patient records and communications are treated as Protected Health Information (PHI). We are legally bound to protect the confidentiality of this information. We will not disclose your PHI without your explicit written authorization, except where disclosure is required or permitted by law (e.g., for treatment coordination, billing, or public health concerns).
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used for the following primary purposes:
Providing and coordinating your medical treatment and care.
Processing billing, claims, and coordinating payment with insurance providers.
Communicating with you about appointments, treatment options, and important updates.
Internal operations, such as quality assessment and service improvement.
User Rights
You have the right to:
Access and receive a copy of your personal information
Correct or update inaccurate information
Receive your information in a portable format for transfer to another service
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact Information section.
Data Security
We employ industry-standard security measures, including physical, technical, and administrative safeguards, to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. All electronic patient records are maintained on secure, encrypted systems.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Inspect and obtain a copy of your medical and billing records.
Request an amendment to your records if you believe the information is inaccurate.
Request restrictions on how your PHI is used or disclosed.
Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy upon request.