Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: August 16, 2025

Beach Pediatrics – Huntington Beach, CA

This Notice describes how medical information about you and your child may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Beach Pediatrics, we value the trust you place in us. We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your child’s health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Notice explains your rights and our responsibilities regarding your protected health information (PHI).

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We may use or share your child’s health information without your written permission for the following purposes:

1. Treatment

To provide, coordinate, or manage medical care and related services. For example, we may consult with a specialist or send prescriptions to a pharmacy.

2. Payment

To bill your health insurance or another responsible party. This may include providing necessary information to obtain prior authorization or payment for services.

3. Healthcare Operations

For administrative, quality improvement, training, or licensing purposes that help us operate and improve our practice.

Other Permitted or Required Disclosures

We may also use or disclose health information:

          When required by federal, state, or local law

          For public health reporting (e.g., infectious diseases)

          To report suspected child abuse or neglect

          For health oversight audits or investigations

          For legal or administrative proceedings

          For law enforcement (e.g., in response to a court order)

          To prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety

          For workers’ compensation claims

Disclosures That Require Your Written Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization before:

          Using or disclosing psychotherapy notes (if applicable)

          Sharing your information for marketing purposes

          Selling your health information

          Any use or disclosure not outlined in this Notice

You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.

Your Rights Regarding Health Information

You have the right to:

✅ Access Your Medical Records

Request to view or receive copies of your child’s medical records.

✅ Request an Amendment

Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information in the record.

✅ Request Confidential Communications

Ask us to contact you in a specific way (e.g., at work instead of home) or send mail to a different address.

✅ Request Restrictions

Ask us to limit what we share. We’re not required to agree, except in limited circumstances (e.g., out-of-pocket payments).

✅ Receive an Accounting of Disclosures

Request a list of certain disclosures we’ve made of your child’s health information (not including treatment, payment, or operations).

✅ Receive a Paper Copy of This Notice

You may request a printed version at any time, even if you’ve agreed to receive it electronically.

Email and Text Communication Policy

To enhance your experience, Beach Pediatrics offers email and text messaging for non-urgent communication. Please read the following carefully.

📬 Consent Required

We will not use email or text unless you’ve provided written authorization acknowledging that you understand the risks.

📋 Examples of Electronic Communication

With your consent, we may send:

          Appointment reminders or confirmations

          Office updates, closures, or scheduling information

          Prescription refill alerts

          Patient portal instructions or login help

          Non-urgent follow-up instructions

We will not send sensitive health or medical details via text or email unless you explicitly request and authorize it.

🔒 Risks of Electronic Communication

Although we use secure systems when possible, standard email and texting are not fully encrypted. Potential risks include:

          Misdelivery or unauthorized access

          Delayed or undelivered messages

          Viewing by others if your device or account is not secure

🛑 Right to Opt Out

You may revoke your consent to receive electronic communication at any time by contacting our office in writing.

🚨 For Emergencies

Do not use email or text for urgent medical concerns. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your health information.

We will promptly inform you of any breaches that may affect your privacy.

We will follow the practices outlined in this Notice and provide updates as needed.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice. Revisions will apply to all current and future health information and will be made available on our website and in our office.

Questions, Requests, or Complaints?

If you have questions or would like to exercise any of your rights, please contact:

Beach Pediatrics

17742 Beach Blvd. Ste 360, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

(714) 848-0868

beachpeds@verizon.net

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Thank you for trusting Beach Pediatrics with your child’s care. We are honored to support your family’s health and wellness.