NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

The following link will display our practice's privacy policy, as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, otherwise known as HIPAA. ("HIPPO" would better represent the level of bureaucracy involved with this act.) Needless to say, we have a moral and legal duty to safeguard the privacy of your health information. This document hits the nitty gritty of how we're going to do this and you are encouraged to read it. When you next come to the office, you will be asked to sign something saying that you have received and understand the policy.

Notice of Privacy Practices

SERVICES OFFERED

We enjoy practicing Family Medicine. Taking care of the whole family: the grandfather, the expecting mother, the newborn, even the teenager. We offer…

• General adult medical care
• Pediatric care
• Family-centered maternity care
• Preventative and wellness exams
• Gynecologic care including colposcopy
• Work and school physicals
• Minor office surgeries

MEDICINE TODAY

We've been practicing medicine since the mid-90's, and are well aware of how things have changed over the past 10 years. Talking to our older colleagues and watching Marcus Welby reruns make us realize that the doctor-patient relationship has changed dramatically. There seems to be many reasons: the burst of technological and medical advances, the increase in malpractice concerns/suits, and falling Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements. Now, in what used to be hallowed ground, the examination room, it seems there are several unwanted visitors, all standing, however invisibly, between the two primaries.

There is the lawyer, making sure the physician documents everything in the chart so that jury will be able to read it. There is the editor of Good Housekeeping magazine whispering to the patient what to look for as signs that the doctor doesn't know what she is doing. There is an insurance company representative standing in the corner with a calculator and a pad, writing down things that he doesn't need to "cover." There is the accountant whispering to the doctor, telling her that she still needs to see 5 more patient that hour to make ends meet. There is a little computer with legs standing next to the patient, producing "FAQ" documents one after another and handing them to the patient, distracting him from what the doctor is saying. There is a representative of Medicare there, with a black and white MP badge on his shoulder, gun holstered (for now), watching for signs of fraud.

It's crazy! But we aim to shut the door on all of that nonsense and focus on you and your concerns. Besides, the exam rooms in our hospital office are too small for all these players.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD COMMUNICATION

We like it when the communication in these small exam rooms is two-way and unencumbered. Research has shown that patients who actively participate in their doctor visits have better health outcomes. It's important that weunderstand you and why you're here, and, obviously, it's important that you understand us so that we can partner and aim for a goal of your improved health. With such a goal in mind, here are some tips to keep in mind to improve your visits:

• Prepare for the visit - Think about what you want to get out of your appointment ahead of time. Make mental (or written) notes of your questions or your concerns.
• Recognize time constraints and help prioritize - Since all appointments have some time constraints, try to prioritize your lists of needs in order of importance.
• Say what's on your mind - If you don't understand something, are unsure about or don't think you will comply with the treatment recommended, tell me. Don't be afraid to talk about your uncertainty.
• Offer your own thinking and point of view - If a friend or relative is speaking for you, and you don't necessarily agree, speak up. Try, I appreciate you listening to my (friend's, sister's, etc.) input, but I see it differently.
• Don't be afraid to ask our opinion - I read about this information (on the Internet, in the paper, in a magazine). What do you think about it? Is it something we might consider?
• Ask questions - Put your mind at ease and ask direct questions such as, What are my alternatives? What would you recommend if I were your mother/father? What can I expect in terms of likely complications/side effects, etc.? What do I do if problems arise?
• Clarify next steps - I may have trouble remembering all of this when I get home. Could you write it down for me? When can I expect to hear from you about test results/procedure or surgery dates/consultation times/follow-up visits, etc.?
• Still uncertain? Ask for a second opinion - Do not be afraid to ask for another opinion-it's your health. Good doctors understand and appreciate these requests.