PATIENT PRIVACY POLICY

 The office of Kontos Psychotherapy is fully committed to compliance with HIPPA rules.  We will:

• Provide appropriate security for patient records
• Protect the privacy of patient  information
• Provide patients with access to their records upon request
• Maintain patient information and billilng processes ina fashion that complies with federal laws and guidelines. 

All office employees undergo training so that they understand and comply with government rules regarding HIPPA.  Emphasis is placed in the "Patient Privacy Rule".  It is my policy to determine appropriate uses of PHI (Patient Health Information) in accordance with governmental rules, laws, and regulations. I take steps to ensure that this practise does not contribute to the problem of improper disclosure of PHI. I have implemented procedures to assist in preventing inappropriate use of PHI.

If you have any questions of concerns regarding the services you receive from this practise or any questions regarding charges to you by this practise, you are encorueaged to call and speak to me about it.

                          Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

The law protects the relationship between a client and therapist and information cannot be disclosed without a signed Authorization of Release form.  As a NYS mandated reporter There are a few exceptions to this law:

- suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse 

-a serious threat of bodiliy harm to another person/s

-an intent to harm oneself.

In these instances, information will be disclosed without written permission to the appropriate authorities immediately to ensure safety for all parties involved.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions regarding this policy for further explanation.