CONFIDENTIALITY

Addiction Medicine services have been recognized by Congress as requiring increased protection from disclosure to third parties. Federal laws governing “Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records” (42 U.S.C. 290dd-2) are more stringent than those of HIPAA, and they supersede HIPAA regulations. Federal rules permit disclosures in only 9 limited circumstances: 1) When patient signs a consent form that complies with the regulations’ requirements, 2) When the disclosure does not identify the patient as a substance abuser, 3) When program staff members consult among themselves, 4) When the disclosure is to a “qualified service organization” that provides services to the program, 5) When there is a medical emergency, 6) When the program must report child abuse or neglect, 7) When the patient commits a crime at the program or against staff members, 8.) When the information is for research, audit, or evaluation purposes, 9) When a court issues a special order authorizing disclosure.

These rules apply regardless of whether the person seeking information already has the information, has other ways of obtaining it, has official status, is authorized by state law, or has a subpoena or search warrant.

In other words, we don’t release your records to anyone without your permission and it takes a court order from a judge (not just an attorney) to get these records. If you elect to pay for your services using insurance, your insurance company can be considered a “qualified service organization” which may have the right to audit your records for payment purposes. In any event, if we submit charges for your care to an insurance company we do disclose your diagnosis in order to be paid for the services rendered.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

The following insurance plans are accepted, however, it is the duty of the patient to ensure that all pre-authorization procedures have been completed, otherwise the patient—and not their insurance company—may be liable for the charges incurred. Call your insurance company and fulfill all their requirements for pre-authorization. Contact our office prior to your appointment regarding any remaining pre-authorization issues.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Medicare
Aetna
United Healthcare
Seton Health Plan
PHCS
Some of the Humana Plans—check first with your carrier

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING AND COMMUNICATION

All scheduling is done by phone and you will receive a text message or phone call the day prior to your appointment. E-mail is not secure. We do not use e-mail to address patient inquiries.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS. Cash or check only with the full amount due at the time of service.