Privacy Policy

This Privacy Notice explains how CHA Physical Therapy collects, uses, and protects your protected health information (PHI) in accordance with federal and state privacy laws. Your PHI includes personal and health related information that identifies you and pertains to your medical history, current health status, or future healthcare needs. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your health information and will follow the practices outlined in this notice. We may update this policy periodically, and any changes will be posted on our website.

HOW WE USE AND SHARE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION:

CHA Physical Therapy uses and shares your PHI primarily for three purposes: providing treatment, processing payments, and conducting healthcare operations. We share your health information only when necessary to deliver, coordinate, or manage your care and related services. This includes sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment, such as referring physicians or specialists working with our team. For payment purposes, we may share your PHI with insurance companies and other entities involved in processing claims and obtaining authorization for recommended treatments and services.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

CHA Physical Therapy may use your health information to support essential business functions including quality improvement initiatives, staff training programs, and operational assessments. Common examples include using a registration sign-in process and calling patients from the waiting area when ready for treatment. We may contact you to confirm appointments or provide treatment reminders. When necessary, we work with trusted business partners (such as billing services or transcription companies) who may have access to your PHI to support our operations. We may also share information about health-related services or treatments that could benefit your care.

FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS:

With your permission, CHA Physical Therapy may share relevant health information with family members, friends, or other individuals you designate as involved in your care. If you are unable to provide consent due to your medical condition, we may share information that we determine, using professional judgment, is in your best interest for your care and treatment.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:

In medical emergencies, CHA Physical Therapy may use or share your health information as needed to provide immediate care. Our staff will obtain your consent for ongoing treatment as soon as reasonably possible following emergency care.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

CHA Physical Therapy may disclose your health information when required by law, including in response to court orders, administrative proceedings, subpoenas, or other legal processes as permitted by applicable privacy regulations.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND SIMILAR PROGRAMS:

When applicable, CHA Physical Therapy may share your health information as required by workers' compensation laws and other legally mandated programs.

MANDATORY DISCLOSURES:

Federal law requires CHA Physical Therapy to provide you with access to your health information and to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services when investigating our compliance with privacy regulations under Section 164.500 and related provisions.

YOUR PATIENT RIGHTS:

Access to Your Records: You have the right to review and obtain copies of your health information maintained in our designated record sets, which include medical records, billing information, and other documentation used in your care decisions. Copy fees are $0.75 per page with a $10.00 hourly search fee for extensive requests.

Request Limitations on Information Use:

You may ask CHA Physical Therapy to limit how we use or share your health information for treatment, payment, or operations purposes. You may also request that we not share your information with specific family members or friends involved in your care. Any restriction request must specify the exact limitation and the people to whom it applies. While we will consider all requests, we are not required to agree to every restriction. Approved restrictions remain in effect until you provide a written, witnessed request to remove them.

PRIVACY CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS:

If you believe CHA Physical Therapy has not properly protected your health information privacy, you may file a complaint directly with our office or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To submit a complaint to our office, please contact us in writing or fax us at 212-643-9330. We will not retaliate against you for filing a privacy complaint.