Notice Of Privacy Practices
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
New Viva MD Weight Loss
Effective Date: March 31, 2026
Last Updated: March 31, 2026
YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS AT NEW VIVA MD WEIGHT LOSS
New Viva MD Weight Loss is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”). This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your health information, your rights regarding that information, and our legal obligations under federal and Arizona law.
This Notice complies with:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- HIPAA Security Rule
- HIPAA Breach Notification Rule
- Arizona Medical Records and Privacy Laws
- LegitScript Certification Standards
- Applicable Federal Healthcare Regulations
Please review this Notice carefully.
OUR LEGAL DUTIES
New Viva MD Weight Loss is required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
- Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI when required by law
- Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect
We reserve the right to change this Notice and make new provisions effective for all PHI we maintain.
WHAT IS PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)?
Protected Health Information (PHI) includes information that identifies you and relates to:
- Your past, present, or future physical health condition
- Your mental health condition
- Medical treatments received
- Laboratory and diagnostic testing
- Prescription medications
- Payment for healthcare services
Examples include:
- Medical records
- Weight loss treatment plans
- Hormone therapy records
- Laboratory results
- Diagnostic reports
- Insurance information
- Billing records
- Appointment information
HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
1. Treatment
We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare.
Examples include:
- Communicating with pharmacies
- Ordering laboratory testing
- Referring you to specialists
- Coordinating treatment plans
- Reviewing medical records
2. Payment
We may use and disclose PHI to obtain payment for healthcare services.
Examples include:
- Insurance claims submission
- Prior authorization requests
- Billing activities
- Payment collection
- Verification of insurance benefits
3. Healthcare Operations
We may use PHI to operate and improve our practice.
Examples include:
- Quality assessment activities
- Medical staff training
- Credentialing and peer review
- Compliance monitoring
- Risk management
- Business planning
BUSINESS ASSOCIATES
We may share PHI with HIPAA-compliant Business Associates who perform services on our behalf.
Examples include:
- Electronic Medical Record providers
- Billing companies
- Laboratory service providers
- IT security vendors
- Secure communication platforms
- Appointment reminder systems
All Business Associates are contractually obligated to protect your information.
USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRED OR PERMITTED BY LAW
We may disclose PHI without your authorization when required or permitted by law, including:
Public Health Activities
- Disease reporting
- FDA reporting requirements
- Communicable disease monitoring
Abuse, Neglect, and Domestic Violence
When reporting is required by law.
Health Oversight Activities
- Government audits
- Investigations
- Inspections
- Licensure reviews
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
- Court orders
- Subpoenas
- Legal proceedings
Law Enforcement
As permitted by applicable law.
Serious Threats to Health or Safety
To prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety.
Workers’ Compensation
When required for workers’ compensation claims.
Military and National Security Activities
As required by federal law.
PATIENT COMMUNICATIONS
We may use your contact information to:
- Schedule appointments
- Send appointment reminders
- Discuss treatment recommendations
- Communicate test results
- Provide care coordination
- Notify you of prescription information
Communications may occur through:
- Telephone
- Voicemail
- Text messaging
- Secure patient portal
Standard messaging and data rates may apply.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
We will obtain your written authorization before using your PHI for marketing purposes when required by HIPAA.
New Viva MD Weight Loss:
- Does not sell patient information
- Does not sell PHI
- Does not disclose PHI for marketing purposes without authorization
If compensation is received for a communication, such compensation will be disclosed as required by law.
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
You have the right to:
Access Your Records
Request inspection or copies of your medical records.
Receive Electronic Copies
Request electronic copies when available.
Request Corrections
Request amendments to information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
Request Restrictions
Request limitations on certain uses or disclosures.
Request Confidential Communications
Request communications by alternative methods or locations.
Receive an Accounting of Disclosures
Request a list of certain disclosures made by our practice.
Obtain a Copy of This Notice
Request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.
SPECIAL RIGHTS FOR SELF-PAY PATIENTS
If you pay for a healthcare service entirely out-of-pocket, you may request that we not disclose information regarding that service to your health insurance plan.
We will honor such requests unless disclosure is otherwise required by law.
DATA SECURITY
We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI, including:
- Secure Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Encrypted data transmission
- Password-protected systems
- Role-based access controls
- Staff HIPAA training
- Ongoing security monitoring
- Secure backup systems
No electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure; however, we continuously work to maintain industry-standard safeguards.
BREACH NOTIFICATION
In the event of a breach involving unsecured PHI, New Viva MD Weight Loss will provide notification consistent with HIPAA, Arizona law, and applicable federal regulations.
Notifications will include:
- What happened
- Information involved
- Steps you should take
- Actions taken to investigate and mitigate the breach
CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE
We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time.
Updated versions will be:
- Posted on our website
- Available in our office
- Effective for all PHI maintained by our practice
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding this Notice or your privacy rights, contact:
New Viva MD Weight Loss
Phone: (480) 331-4316
HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint without fear of retaliation.
Contact New Viva MD Weight Loss
Phone: (480) 331-4316
Or Contact
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Email: OCRMail@hhs.gov
Website:
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint
You will not be penalized, denied treatment, or retaliated against for filing a complaint.
New Viva MD Weight Loss is committed to protecting your privacy, maintaining the confidentiality of your health information, and complying with all applicable federal and Arizona privacy laws.