Educational References
After-Hours Emergency Protocol for Mental Health
Emergency Protocols
In the event of a mental health emergency outside of our regular office hours, it is crucial to have a clear and effective protocol in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. Here is our after-hours emergency protocol:
⦁ If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
⦁ Available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
⦁ Provides free, 24/7 support via text message.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
⦁ Available 24/7 for crisis support. Simply dial 988.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
⦁ Leave a detailed voicemail on our office phone line 317-590-0273. Clearly state your name, contact information, and a brief description of the situation.
⦁ Emails or messages through our secure patient portal will be reviewed the next business day.⦁ For non-urgent concerns, we will respond to voicemails and messages by the next business day.
⦁ If you have seen another healthcare provider or been to the emergency room, please notify our office as soon as possible so we can coordinate your ongoing care.⦁ Ensure your emergency contact information is up to date with our office. In some cases, we may need to reach out to your designated emergency contact to ensure your safety and the directive of your safety plan.
HIPAA Compliance
⦁ The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law designed to protect patients' medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
⦁ Ensuring HIPAA compliance is a critical aspect of maintaining patient trust and confidentiality.
These protocols and policies ensure that patient information is handled with the utmost care and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, maintaining confidentiality and trust in our healthcare practice.
Privacy Rule
⦁ We adhere to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which sets national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information.
⦁ Only authorized personnel have access to patient records.
⦁ Patients have the right to access their medical records and request corrections.
Breach Notification Rule
⦁ In the event of a breach involving unsecured protected health information, we will notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, in certain circumstances, the media.
List of accepted insurance plans.
Don't see your insurance listed? Please contact our office to have your insurance verified.
Insurance
Patient information privacy protocols
Secure Communication:
⦁ Patient information is communicated through secure channels, such as encrypted email or secure patient portals.
⦁ Patients are encouraged to use secure methods for communication.
⦁ Monitoring systems are in place to detect unauthorized access to patient information.
These protocols and policies ensure that patient information is handled with the utmost care and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, maintaining confidentiality and trust in our healthcare practice.
Patient Rights
⦁ Patients have the right to access their health information and request amendments.
⦁ Patients can request an accounting of disclosures of their health information.
⦁ Information on how patients can file complaints if they believe their privacy rights have been violated.
Confidential Communications
⦁ Patients can request that communications be handled in a specific way (e.g., sending information to a different address or by a different method).
Notice of Privacy Practices
⦁ A detailed notice of privacy practices is provided to all patients, outlining how their information may be used and disclosed, and their rights regarding their information.