Privacy Policy
Effective Date: Sept 8, 2024
At Minnesota Mental Health Care, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard the information you provide to us, both online and offline, including when you interact with us virtually (via video, email, or text messaging), and during in-person visits.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
A. Personal Information
Personal information is any data that can be used to identify you, including but not limited to:
• Name, contact information (e.g., address, phone number, email address)
• Health information (e.g., medical history, treatment records, insurance information)
• Payment information (e.g., credit card details, insurance billing information)
• Demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity)
B. Usage Information
When you interact with our website, mobile apps, or virtual platforms, we may collect:
• IP addresses, device identifiers, and browsing behavior
• Location data (if enabled on your device)
• Communication preferences (e.g., consent for text messages or emails)
C. Communications
We may collect and retain:
• Emails, text messages, or other digital communications sent between you and our staff.
• Telehealth/virtual consultation recordings, if required, for documentation and treatment purposes (with your consent).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:
• Providing healthcare services: Diagnosing and treating patients, both virtually and in-person.
• Communicating with you: Sending appointment reminders, treatment updates, and billing information via email, text messaging, or phone.
• Managing your treatment: Maintaining accurate and secure medical records.
• Processing payments: Managing your insurance claims, payments, and billing details.
• Complying with legal obligations: Following federal and state laws (such as HIPAA) to protect patient data and privacy.
• Marketing and outreach: With your consent, we may send health tips, educational resources, or event invitations. You can opt out of these communications at any time.
3. How We Share Your Information
We may share your personal information with the following parties under strict conditions:
• With healthcare professionals involved in your care.
• With third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as telehealth platforms, billing providers, or IT support, provided they agree to protect your privacy and comply with applicable laws.
• With insurance providers for billing and claims processing.
• With law enforcement or regulatory authorities if required by law, such as in cases of public health reporting, to comply with legal processes, or to prevent fraud or abuse.
• With your consent: If you authorize us to share information for a specific purpose, we will do so in accordance with your instructions.
4. Your Rights
You have rights regarding your personal information, including:
• Access to your records: You can request a copy of your medical or personal information at any time.
• Correction of your records: You may ask us to correct any inaccuracies in your personal or health information.
• Requesting restrictions: You can ask us to limit the information we share with certain individuals or organizations.
• Withdrawing consent: You can opt out of receiving marketing communications, text messages, or emails at any time by following the instructions provided in those communications.
• Filing a complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
5. How We Protect Your Information
We take the security of your personal and health information very seriously. We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your data, including:
• Encryption of data transmitted over the internet (e.g., during telehealth consultations).
• Secure storage of medical records and sensitive information.
• Access controls ensuring only authorized personnel can access your data.
• Ongoing training for staff on privacy and security best practices.
6. Use of Virtual Communication (Email, Text Messaging, Telehealth)
We offer communication through virtual platforms, including email, text messaging, and telehealth services. While we make every effort to use secure communication channels, please note the following:
• Text messages and emails may not be fully secure, and by providing your phone number or email, you acknowledge the risks associated with electronic communications. You may request to limit communications to specific methods.
• Telehealth sessions are conducted over HIPAA-compliant platforms. We will ensure the security and privacy of these sessions, but you are also encouraged to choose a private, secure location for your virtual consultations.
7. Retention of Information
We retain personal and health information as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including any legal or regulatory obligations. Medical records are retained in accordance with applicable healthcare laws.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review the policy periodically.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us at:
Terry Larson
3450 O'Leary Ln
Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: (651)-454-0014