Privacy Practices

03/31/2008 08:03 am

All CHP member health information is confidential. Disclosures (such as employees) for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations are made only when a member submits an Authorization for Release of Health Information form to CHP.

Privacy Of Personal Health Information

CHP does not accept requests to disclose personal information to plan sponsors (organizations that pay for an employee's health benefits) with the exception of summary health information, enrollment and disenrollment information.

CHP safeguards oral, written, and electronic information. Confidentiality agreements are signed with any contracted parties that receive a member's confidential personal, financial, or health information. Access to this information is restricted to those employees who use the information to provide services for members.

CHP's privacy program conforms to all state and federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). CHP's website, www.capitalhealth.com, contains links to member privacy rights and HIPAA, (see the lower right corner of the website home page).

CHP sends every new member a Notice of Privacy Practices. A copy is posted in CHP health centers, and is available as a pamphlet. The Notice includes explanations, instructions, and examples of:

  • the content of a member's medical record
  • member rights regarding health information
  • CHP's responsibilities to maintain privacy of your health information
  • routine uses of health information for treatment, payment, and health operations and
  • how to contact CHP with questions or concerns

Members have a right to:

  • view, inspect, copy, and amend their health records
  • request limits on certain uses of their health information
  • get an accounting of health information disclosures
  • request communications of their health information by alternative means or at alternative locations and
  • revoke their authorization to use health information, except when action already has been taken

Members can enter information on CHP's secure website. This information is accessed and used by the Member Services Department to assist members. Members can enter information to do the following:

  • select a new, or change a primary care physician
  • register for classes provided by CHP
  • request a replacement of a CHP ID card
  • submit questions to CHP's Member Services department

If you have questions or would like additional information about CHP's privacy practices, please call Member Services at (850) 383-3311.