PROTECTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION

Effective December 2013: Our policy on releasing health information will be as follows. If you would like a copy of your exam results, an eyeglass, or contact lens prescription you MUST provide a signed record release. The release may be signed at the time of your exam or at any time after as long as we have a signed statement of release and a copy of a driver's license. WE WILL NOT EMAIL OR RELEASE ANY INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE FOR ANY REASON. This is to protect your health information and keep your personal and insurance information confidential. Mailed or faxed requests require 24 hour notice.  

From this point forward, all computers that are internet capable in the office have had all patient data removed from them. All files are backed up to a non internet connected computer so we do not have to worry about anyone hacking into our database. The practice uses PRACTICE FUSION as it's electronic health records provider. It is a cloud based platform that over 100,000 other doctors are using. So be assured, that ALL of your information is highly confidential and we are doing all that we can to protect it.  

In some cases we are required to release some exam findings to your primary care doctor. This is part of the new health care reform and it is known as HEDIS.  If you are on a medicare or medicaid plan we DO let your primary care doctor know of your visit. This is done to provide them proof that no glaucoma or diabetes exists in your eyes. Unless you do not want us to inform your doctor of your visit by opting out we will provide just the basic summary of your exam. PLEASE LET THE STAFF OR DR. SMITH KNOW AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPOINTMENT IF YOU DO NOT WANT US TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR. 

Outside of the info listed above we will not release any information to anyone unless directed by you or your power of attorney. Exceptions do exist, and they would be of any suspicion of a commission of a crime. An example would be if the staff noticed any suspicious bruises on a infant or an elderly patient. We are also obligated to speak to your insurance provider to obtain benefit information and in some cases we have to preauthorize certain procedures or tests. In these cases, some information must be given to the insurance provider to obtain the necessary authorizations in order to render services.

We greatly appreciate your understanding as we make necessary changes to insure that your information is protected. Please be patient with requests to obtain records or prescriptions, so we make sure that we do not give your information to any party not authorized to view it. We will respond within 24 hours to any requests.

Dr. Kevin L. Smith, O.D. & The Staff of Infinity Eye Care Center