Effective Date: April 27th, 2026
This Notice describes how your health information may be used or disclosed and how you may access it. Please review it carefully.
Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers is committed to maintaining the privacy of your information. Federal law (HIPAA) and applicable Arizona statutes require us to protect the confidentiality and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI), provide this Notice outlining our legal responsibilities and privacy practices, and notify you if a breach occurs involving your unsecured PHI.
We are required to follow the terms of this Notice while it is in effect. We may revise or update this Notice as allowed by law. Any updated version will be available in our offices, and copies will be provided upon request.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or share your PHI for the following reasons:
Treatment
We may use or disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your foot and ankle care. This may include communication with podiatrists, specialists, imaging centers, pharmacies, or other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.
Payment
Your PHI may be used for activities related to billing and payment, such as:
- Sending claims to insurance
- Verifying coverage and benefits
- Processing claims
- Collection activities
Healthcare Operations
We may use your information to support regular business activities of our practice, including:
- Quality improvement and evaluation
- Staff training and credentialing
- Licensing, audits, and compliance reviews
- Internal administrative needs
Other Uses and Disclosures Allowed or Required by Law
Individuals Involved in Your Care
We may share information with family members or others involved in your care when permitted by law or when authorized by you.
Disaster Relief
PHI may be disclosed to assist with emergency or disaster response efforts.
Public Health and Safety
We may provide PHI to public health authorities for reasons such as:
- Preventing or managing disease
- Reporting suspected abuse or neglect
- Reporting medication issues or product defects
- Exposure notifications
Law Enforcement
We may disclose PHI for law enforcement purposes as required by HIPAA or Arizona law.
Health Oversight
PHI may be shared with oversight agencies conducting audits, inspections, or investigations.
Judicial or Administrative Proceedings
We may disclose PHI in response to a subpoena, court order, or other authorized request.
Research
Limited PHI may be used for approved research projects with proper privacy protections.
Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors
Information may be shared to support these professionals in carrying out their duties.
National Security & Military
We may disclose PHI to authorized federal or military officials when legally required.
Fundraising
We may contact you about fundraising efforts related to our practice. You may opt out at any time.
Uses Requiring Written Authorization
Certain uses of PHI require your written consent, such as:
- Psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
- Certain marketing communications
- The sale of PHI
You may revoke any authorization in writing at any time.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
Right to Access
You may request to review or obtain copies of your PHI. When possible, electronic copies may be provided. Reasonable, cost‑based fees may apply.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request limitations on how your PHI is used or shared.
We are not required to agree, except when you pay for a service entirely out of pocket and ask that we not share that information with your insurance.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may ask that we communicate with you through alternative addresses, phone numbers, or methods.
Right to Amend
If you believe your PHI is incomplete or incorrect, you may request an amendment. If we deny the request, we will explain the reason in writing.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of specific disclosures made within the past six years, excluding those related to treatment, payment, operations, and other permitted categories.
Right to Notification of a Breach
We will inform you in writing if a breach occurs involving your unsecured PHI.
Right to a Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time.
State-Specific Information: Arizona
Arizona generally follows federal HIPAA requirements but offers additional protections for certain sensitive information, including:
- HIV/AIDS‑related information
- Communicable disease records
- Mental health documentation
- Substance use treatment information
- Genetic testing results
When Arizona law provides stricter confidentiality rules, Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers will follow the more protective standard.
Questions, Requests, or Complaints
If you have questions, want to exercise your rights, or wish to file a complaint, please contact:
Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers – Privacy Officer
2228 W Northern Ave, Suite B-101, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 484-789-7100
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
We will not retaliate against you for submitting a complaint.