Thank you for visiting the Varicocele Embolization site. We recognize that visitors to our site may be concerned about the information they provide to us. This Privacy Policy addresses such concerns. If you have any questions about our Privacy Policy, please feel free to contact us at: privacy@ausrad.com

Austin Radiological Association uses its best efforts to respect the privacy of its online visitors. At our Web site, we do not collect personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, etc., unless voluntarily submitted by a visitor. While personally identifiable information may be submitted to apply for a job position with Austin Radiological Association, volunteer, or inquire about our services or Web site, this information is used solely by Austin Radiological Association or other entities that are involved in the operation of this site for internal purposes. This information will not be sold to third parties, and Austin Radiological Association will only disclose this information to third parties when we are required to do so by law, or when the person submitting the information authorizes us to share it.

Austin Radiological Association might place small data files, called "cookies," in the browser file of your computer's hard drive. These cookies automatically identify your browser to our server whenever you interact with the Service. Most browsers automatically accept these cookies, but you usually can change your browser setting to prevent the acceptance of cookies. In addition, we usually collect the domain name of the server from which you are visiting. This can provide us with information relating to the sources of our traffic. Collecting this information does not allow us to personally identify you.

Austin Radiological Association (ARA) uses your health information for treatment and diagnosis, to obtain payment for your treatment and to evaluate the quality of medical care that you receive at our offices. An example of how ARA uses your information for treatment purposes is the taxing of your radiological report to your physicians. To obtain payment, we submit claims to your health insurance company and then send you a billing statement should there be any remaining balance you are responsible for. We may use your health information for our business operations, including independent business associates such as external auditors or consultants that help us improve the services we provide.

*ARA has developed a secure electronic archive in which your health information, medical images and records are stored. Our electronic archive enhances the quality of the healthcare you receive by providing the timely exchange of medical information needed for your treatment. Your personal physician, a member of your treatment team or a consulting physician may access your archived health information directly by computer. ARA uses security procedures and safeguards to protect the confidentiality and integrity of your electronic health information.

*We may de-identify your medical reports and images to use for educational, training or research purposes. What de-identify means is that all of your individually identifiable personal information has been permanently removed before the image or report is used.

*We may call you to remind you about your appointment or send you an appointment card to remind you to call us when it is time to schedule a follow-up appointment.

*We may disclose your health information without your authorization when required to do so by federal, state or local law. As an example, we are required to notify public health authorities concerning cases of suspected contagious diseases.

*We may disclose your health information to the extent authorized and necessary to comply with laws relating to workers compensation or other similar programs established by law.

*We will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing your health information for any reason not related to treatment, payment or business operations. If you choose to sign an authorization allowing ARA to disclose your health information for reasons not stated in this notice, you can revoke your authorization at any time, except to the extent that ARA has taken action in reliance on it. You must revoke your authorization in writing to stop any future uses and disclosures.

*You may request that ARA not disclose your health information, except when authorized by you, unless the disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law. As an example, we are required under law to disclose information when ordered to do so by a court of law.

*You have the right to request that ARA contact you by alternate means, address or telephone number to protect the privacy of confidential communications about your health care.

*You have the right to look at or get a copy of health information used by ARA to make medical and billing decisions about you. If you request copies, ARA may charge a fee for costs associated with your request.

*You have the right to request that ARA correct or include additional health information about you, if you believe that your information is not correct or that your medical record is not complete.

*You may request an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information.

ARA will consider any and all of your written requests, but may not be required under law to honor them. If ARA determines that your request cannot be honored, we will notify you of the reasons for our decision in writing within 15 days of receipt of your written request.

We may make changes to this notice at any time. Changes may result in additional uses or disclosures of your health information not previously authorized by you. You may request a copy of the current ARA privacy notice in person at any of our facilities or send a written request to the address provided at the end of this notice. This privacy notice supersedes all previous privacy notices.

If you are concerned that ARA has violated your privacy rights or if you have any privacy related questions, our Privacy Officer can assist you. You may contact our Privacy Officer in writing, by phone or by email at the address and number listed below. The ARA Privacy Officer will provide you with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights mailing address should you wish to file a complaint with their office. ARA will not retaliate against you in any way for filing a compliant.

We are required by state and federal law to protect the privacy of your health information, to provide you a copy of this notice at your request and to follow the information as described in this Notice of Privacy Practices.

Independent healthcare providers that access our electronic archive, and our outside business associates, sign privacy agreements and legal contracts with ARA to guarantee to us that they will respect and protect the confidentiality of patient health information.

ARA is committed to providing you with quality medical care and to protecting your confidential health information. We understand that the privacy and security of your personal medical information is important to you.