Patient Privacy & Confidentiality
Wise Health System values the protection of private health information of our patients. We understand that medical information about you and your health is personal.
Privacy and confidentiality mean that patients have the right to control who will see their protected and identifiable health information. This means that communications with or about patients involving patient health information will be private and limited to those people who need such information to provide/conduct treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Wise Health System is committed to protecting and promoting each patient’s basic rights. The hospital prohibits discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.
HIPAA and What It Means to You
A federal law known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) mandates that all covered entities comply with regulations concerning the privacy and confidentiality of protected health information. A covered entity is any healthcare provider (doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc.), healthcare clearinghouses, and health plans. As a covered entity, Wise Heath System is committed to obeying the law and respecting your privacy.
Compliance with HIPAA was required by April 14, 2003. As of that date, all patients should receive a copy of the hospital’s Notice of Privacy Practices on their first admission. This document explains how your protected health information may be used by the hospital in conjunction with the law as well as your rights with regards to your private health information.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Our hospital’s Notice of Privacy Practices is part of the Privacy Practices, Patient Rights and TAC Requirements publication from Wise Health System. Please click on the links below to download or view the publication.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions concerning your privacy practices, or if you feel Wise Health System has violated your privacy, please contact your nurse or the Wise Health System Privacy Officer at (940) 626-2433. You may file a complaint with the Secretary of Health and Human Services if you believe the law has been violated.
Know your Rights as a Patient
Visit The Joint Commission to find out how to speak up and help make better decisions about your care.
Filing a Complaint
If you feel that Wise Health System has violated your privacy, you may file a complaint by contacting the Wise Health System Privacy Officer at (940) 626-2433 or by contacting the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.