Notice of Privacy Practices

How We Protect and Use Your Health Information
This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how Dr. J. Stephen Appleton and our team protect your medical information, how it may be used or shared, and how you can access your own records. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and complying with all federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Your Health Information
When you receive care from our practice, we create a record of your visit. This record may include:
Your medical history
Symptoms and examination findings
Diagnoses and treatment plans
Imaging, test results, and surgical reports
Billing and insurance information

This information is referred to as Protected Health Information (PHI).

How We May Use and Share Your Information

We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage your medical care. This may include sharing information with:
Other physicians involved in your care
Physical therapists
Imaging centers or laboratories

Payment
To bill and receive payment for services. This may include:
Insurance companies
Medicare
Third‑party billing services

Healthcare Operations
To support the daily functioning of our practice, such as:
Quality assessment
Staff training
Appointment reminders
Customer service and follow‑up

We may also use your information when required by law, such as for public health reporting or in response to a court order.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have several important rights related to your PHI:

Right to Access
You may request a copy of your medical records. We will provide them within the time required by law.

Right to Request Corrections

If you believe information in your record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.

Right to Request Restrictions
You may ask us to limit how your PHI is used or shared. While we will consider your request, we are not always required to agree.

Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we contact you in a specific way for example, at a certain phone number or mailing address.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.

Right to a Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:
Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information
Follow the terms of this Notice

We may update this Notice from time to time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be posted on our website and available in our office.

Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact our office. We take your concerns seriously and will work with you to address them promptly.