Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Practices
Stewart Foot and Ankle

Effective Date: December 3, 2025
This Notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI). We are also required to provide you with this Notice and follow its terms.
2. What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
PHI is information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, the healthcare you received, or payment for your healthcare.
3. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI Without Your Written Authorization
A. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations
• Treatment: Share with doctors, nurses, pharmacies, labs, hospitals, and other providers involved in your care.
• Payment: Bill your insurance, collect co-pays, or send unpaid balances to collections.
• Health Care Operations: Quality improvement, training, accreditation, auditing, and business management.
B. Uses and Disclosures Required or Permitted by Law
• Public health activities (reportable diseases, FDA-regulated products, birth/death records)
• Health oversight (audits, investigations, licensure)
• Law enforcement or judicial proceedings (court orders, subpoenas that meet legal requirements)
• Coroners, medical examiners, funeral directors
• Organ/tissue donation
• Workers’ compensation
• To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
• Specialized government functions (military, national security, correctional institutions)
• Research (only with IRB/Privacy Board approval or under very limited circumstances)
C. Appointment Reminders & Health-Related Communications
We may contact you by phone, text message, email, or mail for:
• Appointment reminders and confirmations
• Test/lab results
• Treatment alternatives or health-related benefits/services
• Follow-up care and wellness information
You may opt out of these communications at any time (except when required for treatment or payment).
D. SMS/Text Messaging
By providing your cell phone number, you consent to receive SMS/text messages from Stewart Foot and Ankle. We will use your number onoly for appointment and communication texts from our office. We do not sell, share, or disclose your mobile number or message content to third parties. 

Text messaging is not 100% secure. 
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to any message or call our office to opt out or HELP for support. 
4. Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for:
• Marketing purposes (except face-to-face or very minor promotional gifts)
• Sale of your PHI
• Any purpose not described in this Notice
You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except for actions already taken.
5. Your Individual Rights
1. Right to Request Restrictions
You may ask us to limit how we use or disclose your PHI. We are not required to agree (except if you pay for a service in full out-of-pocket and ask us not to send it to your health plan).
2. Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we contact you at a different phone number, email, or address.
3. Right to Access Your Records
You may inspect and receive a copy of your PHI (electronic or paper). We may charge a reasonable fee. Some exceptions apply (psychotherapy notes, information compiled for legal proceedings, etc.).
4. Right to Amend
If you believe information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny the request under certain circumstances.
5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures we made of your PHI in the past 6 years.
6. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
Even if you received it electronically, you may request a paper copy at any time.
7. Right to Be Notified of a Breach
We will notify you if your unsecured PHI is breached.
6. Our Duties
• Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
• Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI
• Train our workforce and maintain reasonable safeguards
• Abide by the terms of this Notice (we reserve the right to change it; new versions apply to all PHI we hold)
7. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OCR).
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Email: office@stewartfootandankle.com
Address: 2008 Caton Way SW, Suite 203-B2, Olympia, WA
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
Online: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf
Mail: 200 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll-free: 1-877-696-6775
8. Acknowledgment
You will be asked to sign an Acknowledgment that you received this Notice. If you refuse, we may still treat you, but we will document the reason.
Thank you for trusting Stewart Foot and Ankle with your care.