This notice describes how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. 

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

Minnesota Urology takes the privacy of your or your family member’s health information seriously. We are required by law to maintain that privacy and to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice is provided to tell you about our duties and practices with respect to your or your family member’s information. 

HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION 

The following categories describe different ways that we use and disclose your or your family member’s health information without your signed authorization. For each category, we explain what we mean and give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the following categories: 

  1. For Treatment – Minnesota Urology may use health information for treatment, health care, or other related services. We disclose health information to doctors, nurses, technicians, assistants, or other Minnesota Urology employees who are involved in your or your family member’s care. (Examples: Referral for an ultrasound, for a prescription, at your request for transfer of care to another clinician) 
  2. For Payment – Minnesota Urology may use health information to bill and collect for the treatment and services that we provide to you or your family member.  We may send health information to an insurance company or other third party for payment purposes. (Examples: Sending information for payment purposes in order for your insurance company to pay for the visit and services) 
  3. For Health Care Operations – Minnesota Urology may use and disclose health information for quality health care, and to maintain and improve the quality of health care that we provide to you or your family member.. (Examples: Chart reviews and transcription services)  
  4. As Required by Law – Minnesota Urology will disclose health information when required to do so by federal, state, or local law. (Examples: In response to a court order or subpoena, reporting victims of abuse, criminal conduct, FDA, coroners, funeral directors, organ donation, military activity, national security, if inmate in a correctional facility, and if requested by the Dept. of Health and Human Services in order to investigate or determine our compliance with the requirements of the Privacy Rules) 
  5. For Public Health Reasons – Minnesota Urology may disclose health information for public health activities. (Examples: Controlling disease, injury, or disability; reporting defective medical devices or problems with medications) 
  6. Research – Minnesota Urology may use and disclose health information for research purposes when authorized to do so by means of an individual’s written permission (Authorization) and /or written consent to participate in research that has been approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).  Minnesota Urology may also use and disclose health information for research purposes without an individual’s written Authorization when the information is shared as a limited data set under an executed data use agreement, for activities carried out by authorized clinical or research staff that are preparatory to research, and for research approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) under a waiver or alteration of the Authorization requirement when specified criteria are met.  Health information that is appropriately de-identified as specified by the Privacy Rule may be used and disclosed without restriction or the need for Authorization.   
  7. Sale of PHI/PHI Used for Fundraising – The sale of your protected health information is prohibited without your authorization.  Minnesota Urology is prohibited from using your protected health information for fundraising without giving you the option to opt out. 
  8. Worker’s Compensation – Minnesota Urology may disclose your health information as authorized by and to the extent necessary to comply with worker’s compensation laws or laws relating to similar programs. 
  9. Privacy Breach – Minnesota Urology will notify you in writing if the practice discovers a breach of your unsecured protected health information, and determines through a risk assessment that notification is required. 
  10. Other Ways We May Use and Disclose your Protected Health Information 
  • Appointment reminders 
  • Treatment alternatives 
  • Health- related benefits 

Other uses and disclosures of health information not covered by this notice or the laws that apply to us will be made only with your written authorization. If you provide us authorization to use/disclose your or your family member’s health information, you may revoke that authorization, in writing, at any time. You understand that we are unable to take back any disclosures we have made under the authorization, and that we are required to retain our records of the care that we provided to you or your family member. 

11. Others Involved in Your Healthcare – Unless you object, we may disclose your health information to another individual that you have identified (e.g., member of your immediate family, a relative or close friend) as it directly pertains to that person’s involvement in your healthcare.  If you are unable to agree or object to such disclosure, we may disclose such information as necessary if we determine that it is in your best interest based on our professional judgment. We may use or disclose protected health information to notify a person that is responsible for your care (e.g., family member or personal representative) of your general condition or death.  If you are not present or able to agree or object to the use or disclosure of the protected health information, then your healthcare provider may, use his/her professional judgment to determine whether the disclosure is in your best interest.  In this case, only the protected health information that is necessary will be disclosed.  

You have the following rights regarding health information about you. 

  1. Right to Request Restrictions – You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the health treatment, payment, or health care operations. You also have the right to request a limit on the health information that we disclose about you or family member to someone who is involved in your or family member’s treatment or for the payment of that care. You may be allowed to restrict disclosure of health information to your health plan if you pay in full prior to services being rendered. An exception exists if the disclosure is required by law. In most cases, we are not required to agree to your request. If we do agree, we will comply with your request unless the information is needed to provide you with emergency treatment. To request restrictions, you must make your request in writing to: Privacy Officer, Minnesota Urology, 6025 Lake Road, Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125. In your request, you must tell us (1) what information you want to limit; (2) whether you want to limit our use, disclosure or both; and (3) to whom you want the limits to apply.
  2. Right to Inspect and Copy – You have the right to inspect and copy health information that may be used to make decisions about you or family member’s care. You have the right to request an electronic copy of your personal health information.  You can submit your request in writing to: Release of Information Clerk, Minnesota Urology, 6025 Lake Road, Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125. If you request a copy of information, we may charge a fee for the costs of copying, mailing, or other supplies associated with your request. We will have 30 days to respond to your request for information that we maintain on site. If the information is stored off-site, we are allowed up to 60 days to respond but must inform you of this delay.
  3. Right to Amend – You have the right to ask us to amend your or family member’s health and/or billing information for as long as the information is kept by Minnesota Urology. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to: Privacy Officer, Minnesota Urology, 6025 Lake Road, Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125. In addition, you must provide a reason that supports your request. We may deny your request for an amendment if it is not in writing or does not include a reason to support the request. We may deny your request if you ask us to amend information that: 
  • Was not created by us, unless the person or entity that created the information is no longer available to make the amendment.
  • Is not part of the health information kept by Minnesota Urology.
  • Is not part of the information that you would be permitted to inspect or copy.
  • Is accurate and complete.

4. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures – You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures that we have made of your or family member’s health information. To request this list of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to: Privacy Officer, Minnesota Urology, 6025 Lake Road, Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125. Your request must state a time period that may not be longer than six years and may not include dates before April 14, 2003. Your request should indicate how you would like the list (Example: on paper; electronically). The first list you request within a 12-month period will be free. For additional lists during the same 12-month period, Minnesota Urology may charge you for the costs of providing the list. We will notify you of the cost involved and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred. 

5. Right to Request Confidential Communication – You have the right to request how we communicate with you to preserve your privacy. Your request must be in writing and must specify how or where we are to contact you. We will accommodate all reasonable requests.

6. SMS Terms and Conditions

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Minnesota Urology, you agree to the following terms:

  • Consent for SMS Communication
    Phone numbers collected during the SMS opt-in process will be used solely for communication related to our services and will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

  • Types of SMS Communications
    By opting in, you may receive SMS messages such as: Appointment reminders, Follow-up messages or Billing inquiries

  • Message Frequency
    Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 15 messages per week related to appointments or billing.

  • Potential Fees for SMS Messaging
    Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier’s plan. These rates may vary between domestic and international messages.

  • Opt-In Methods
    You may opt in to receive SMS messages from Minnesota Urology by submitting an online form.

  • Opt-Out Instructions
    You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any SMS message, or by contacting us directly at info@mnurology.com.

  • Help
    For assistance, reply with the keyword “HELP” or contact us at info@mnurology.com.

  • Additional Options
    If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, please do not check the SMS consent box on our forms.

  • Standard Messaging Disclosures

7. SMS Privacy Policy

Minnesota Urology is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your SMS contact and message data. We do not sell or share SMS data with third parties.

Collection and Use of SMS Data

When you communicate with Minnesota Urology via SMS, we may collect:

  • Your phone number

  • Message content

This information is used solely to respond to inquiries and provide customer support and services. We will not use your data for any other purposes without your consent.

Protection of SMS Data

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your SMS data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Disclosure of SMS Data

We do not disclose your SMS data to third parties except as required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our organization or users.

Your Rights

You may request access to, correction, or deletion of your SMS data, except where retention is required by law. For assistance, contact us at info@mnurology.com.

Data Retention

We retain SMS data for up to 6 years based on operational and legal requirements.

Policy Updates

We reserve the right to update this SMS Privacy Policy at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to our website. We encourage you to review it regularly.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns, please contact us at info@mnurology.com.

7. Mobile Information Sharing
We respect your privacy. Mobile information collected through SMS opt-in (including phone numbers and consent data) will not be shared, sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

All mobile messaging opt-in data and consent information will be used solely for the purpose of delivering the requested communications and will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

7. Right to Submit a Complaint – If you believe your or family member’s privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Minnesota Urology or with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with Minnesota Urology, provide as much detail as you can about the suspected violation and send it to: Privacy Officer, Minnesota Urology, 6025 Lake Road, Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125. You should know that there would be no retaliation against you or change in the care you are provided for filing a complaint. 

If you have any questions about this Notice, please contact: 

Attn: Privacy Officer 

6025 Lake Road, Suite 200 

Woodbury, MN  55125 

 

 

SMS Policy

SMS Content
By checking this box, you agree to receive SMS messages from Minnesota Urology related to conversational purposes. You may reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply to HELP to 240-220-6600 for assistance. Messages and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Learn more on our Privacy Policy page.

 

Skip to toolbar