Summit Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

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Find more information on:

• Notice of Privacy Practices
• Our Commitment to your Privacy
• Use and Disclosure of Your Health Information
• Your rights regarding your Health Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

Notice of privacy practices

This notice describes how health information about you (as a patient of this practice) may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Our commitment to your privacy

Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information.

We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:

Use and disclosure of your health information in certain special circumstances
The following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health information:

1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
4. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.
5. If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
8. For Workers Compensation and similar programs.

Your rights regarding your health information

1. Communications. You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home, rather than work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
2. You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.
3. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. You must submit your request in writing to Scott Brown , CEO & HIPAA Privacy Officer, Summit Orthopaedics 2321 Coronado St. Idaho Falls, ID 83404. (208) 227-1100
4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to Scott Brown , CEO & HIPAA Privacy Officer, Summit Orthopaedics 2321 Coronado St. Idaho Falls , ID 83404 . (208) 227-1100
   You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment.
5. Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this notice, contact our front desk receptionist.
6. Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our practice, contact Scott Brown , CEO & HIPAA Privacy Officer, Summit Orthopaedics 2321 Coronado St. Idaho Falls, ID 83404. (208) 227-1100. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
7. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. Our practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.

If you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information privacy policies, please contact Scott Brown , CEO & HIPAA Privacy Officer, Summit Orthopaedics 2321 Coronado St. Idaho Falls, ID 83404 (208) 227-1100 or (866) BONES11.

Frequently Asked Questions

X-Rays

• Q: I have previous films (X-Rays, CTs, and/or MRIs) that were taken at another facility; do I need to bring those in for my appointment?
• A: Yes, to assist your doctor, any previous films you have should be with you at the time of your appointment. You will need to contact the physician or facility where your films were taken and arrange to pick them up. (Most facilities need your name, date of birth, type of films, and appreciate at least 24 hours notice to get your films ready.
  
  
• Q: I need to get my films from Summit Orthopaedics to take to another physician; how do I arrange to pick them up?
• A: You will need to call (227-1138) or (227-1139) to request that your films be pulled. They will need your name, date of birth, the name of your physician you saw when your films were taken, and the name of the doctor you are seeing. Also, please provide a telephone number where you can be reached. Please call at least 24 hours before you will need to pick up your films. No fees will be incurred if you simply want your originals to be sent. If you need copies of your films, a five dollar ($5) charge per sheet will be incurred.
  
  
• Q: Do I need to wear special clothing for my X-ray?
• A: If possible, avoid wearing any type of clothing with metal in the area being filmed. For example: if you are having a hip X-ray, you should wear sweats or warm-up pants (that don't have any metal) opposed to jeans (that have metal zippers and buttons). For your X-ray you will have to remove any jewelry or other metals from the area being filmed.
  
  
• Q: I have already had several X-rays this year and I am concerned about the radiation. Is it really necessary to have X-rays?
• A: An X-ray is only taken when ordered by your doctor. Summit Orthopaedic's physicians will always make sure that an X-ray is necessary for your treatment and care. Keeping radiation to a minimum, while producing quality diagnostic exams, is the top priority for our radiological technologists. All our radiological technologists are licensed and registered with the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists).
  
  
• Q: I am or think I may be pregnant; should I be getting an X-ray?
• A: While the radiation is minimal, always inform your doctor that you are (or think you are) pregnant prior to getting an X-ray. Your doctor may discuss any potential risks of having an X-ray. Billing and Insurance
  
  
• Q: If I do not have insurance, what is Summit Orthopaedic's payment policy?
• A: Payment is required at the time of service for regular appointments; however, for major procedures or surgeries, one third (1/3) of the total is necessary for a down payment.
  
  
• Q: I have a question about my bill, who should I call?
• A: Please find your doctor listed below to determine which specialist to call: call Trish at 227-1141 Dr. Stan Griffiths, call Trish at 227-1141 Dr. Philip McCowin, When you call, please have the following information available: Patient's name, date of service, name of doctor, name of insurance company and policy number.
  
  
• Q: Are you a participating provider of my insurance?
• A: We are a CCN, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Traditional and PPO provider; we are participating physicians with Medicare and Medicaid providers as well. We are not a Champus provider.
  
  
• Q: Do I need a referral before making an appointment with Summit Orthopaedics?
• A: No. However, you should check with your insurance provider to find out if a referral from your primary physician is needed. Medication Refills
  
  
• Q: I need medication refilled; what information do I need to provide and who do I call?
• A: Summit Orthopaedics has two dedicated lines (listed below) for prescription refills: Please be prepared to provide the following: 1 - Patients Name 2- Patient's Phone Number 3-Name of Prescribing Physician 4-Name of Pharmacy 5-Strength & Dosage of medication For Medication refills from please call 227-1150. For Medication refills from Dr. McCowin, Dr. West, Dr. Stan Griffiths, or please call 227-1118.
  
  
• Q: How long will it take to get medication refilled?
• A: Please allow 24 hours for your medication to be refilled. Please call a few days before your medication runs out to ensure that you will have plenty of time for a refill. Appointments
  
  
• Q: How do I make an appointment?
• A: Calll (208) 227-1100 or (866) BONES11 for the Orthopaedic Surgeons listed below: Dr. Stan Griffiths Dr. Philip McCowin Dr. Gregory West