Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. Who We Are

This Notice describes the privacy practices of Vodic PT, LLC ("Vodic PT") and anyone who provides care on our behalf. It applies to all physical therapy services we provide, in our clinic and at home.

II. Our Duties

We create records about you and the care we provide. We are required by law to:

• protect the privacy of your protected health information (PHI);
• give you this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices;
• notify you if a breach affects your unsecured PHI; and
• follow the terms of this Notice, or any revised Notice currently in effect.

III. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Your Authorization

We may use and share your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:

• Treatment. Sharing information with other providers involved in your care, such as a referring physician or surgeon.
• Payment. Billing Medicare or another payer, and collecting payment for services.
• Healthcare operations. Running our practice, improving quality, and working with accountants, attorneys, and consultants who help us comply with the law.
• Appointment reminders. Contacting you about upcoming visits and follow-up care.
• Public health activities, as required by law, including reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
• Health oversight activities, such as audits by government health programs.
• Judicial and administrative proceedings, in response to a court order, subpoena, or other lawful process.
• Law enforcement, where required or permitted by law.
• Health or safety, where necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to you or another person.
• Workers' compensation, as permitted by New Jersey law.
• As otherwise required by law.

IV. Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Written Authorization

For anything not listed above, we need your written authorization. This includes:

• marketing communications;
• any sale of your PHI; and
• certain information with special protection under New Jersey law, such as HIV-related or genetic information.

You may revoke an authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent we have already acted on it.

V. Family, Friends, and Caregivers

We may share information relevant to your care with a family member, friend, or caregiver you identify, if you agree or do not object. If you are unable to agree because of incapacity or an emergency, we will use professional judgment and share only what is directly relevant to that person's involvement in your care.

VI. Business Associates

Some companies that perform services for us need access to your PHI, such as our scheduling, records, and billing platform. We require them to sign an agreement to protect your information to the same standard we do.

VII. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

‍We may use AI tools to help with administrative and documentation tasks, such as drafting visit notes for your therapist to review. AI tools do not make clinical decisions. Any AI-generated documentation is reviewed and approved by your therapist before it becomes part of your record. Any AI tool with access to your PHI is treated as a business associate. If you would prefer that AI-assisted documentation not be used in your care, tell your therapist.

VIII. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Inspect and get a copy of your records, on paper or electronically. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.
• Request a correction to your records. If we decline, we will explain why in writing.
• Request confidential communications, such as contact at a specific phone number or address.
• Request restrictions on how we use or share your PHI. We are not required to agree, except when you have paid for a service in full out of pocket and ask us not to share it with a health plan.
• Get an accounting of certain disclosures we have made in the past six years.
• Choose someone to act for you, such as a legal guardian or a person with your medical power of attorney.
• Get a paper copy of this Notice at any time.
• Be notified of a breach of your unsecured PHI.

IX. Changes to This Notice

We may change this Notice at any time, and the changes will apply to all PHI we keep. The current Notice is always available at vodicpt.com/notice-of-privacy-practices and in our office.

X. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact our Privacy Officer or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

XI. Contact

Privacy Officer:
Ilija Bubalo, PT, DPT
Vodic PT, LLC
190 Columbus Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07302
201.771.2946 · ilija@vodicpt.com