Privacy Policy - Different Approach
We do not share any client data with third parties. No information will be shared nor sold with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. We do not sell, rent, or share this information with any third parties. Your personal information is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any outside organizations except as required by law or with your explicit consent.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Different Approach NP in Psychiatry, we understand that your privacy is fundamental to the trust you place in us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal health information in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Information We Collect
Personal Health Information (PHI)
We collect information necessary to provide you with quality mental health care, including:
- Contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
- Insurance and billing information
- Medical history and current health status
- Mental health symptoms and treatment history
- Medication information
- Emergency contact details
- Information from other healthcare providers involved in your care
How We Collect Information
- Directly from you during appointments and intake sessions
- From your healthcare providers with your consent
- Through our secure patient portal and forms
- From insurance companies for authorization and billing purposes
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal health information to:
- Provide psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy services
- Coordinate your care with other healthcare providers
- Process insurance claims and handle billing
- Schedule appointments and send appointment reminders
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Improve our services and patient care quality
How We Protect Your Information
Security Measures
- All electronic records are stored on HIPAA-compliant, encrypted systems
- Physical files are kept in locked cabinets in secure areas
- Staff access is limited to those who need the information to provide your care
- Regular security training for all team members
- Secure communication methods for all patient correspondence
Office Locations
Our secure practices apply at both of our locations:
- New York City Office: 307 West 38th Street, Suite 1642, New York, NY 10018
- Yonkers Office: [Address to be provided]
When We May Share Your Information
We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
With Your Written Consent
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
- Sharing information with family members you designate
- For purposes you specifically authorize
Without Your Consent (as permitted by law)
- Treatment: With other healthcare professionals involved in your care
- Payment: With insurance companies for billing and authorization
- Healthcare Operations: For quality improvement and administrative purposes
- Legal Requirements: When required by court order or law enforcement
- Public Health: To prevent serious harm to you or others
- Emergency Situations: When necessary to protect your health and safety
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your medical records
- Amendment: Request corrections to your medical records
- Restriction: Request limits on how we use or share your information
- Confidential Communication: Request we communicate with you in specific ways
- Accounting: Receive a list of when and why we shared your information
- Complaint: File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
Website Privacy
Information Collection
Our website may collect:
- Contact information when you submit forms
- Technical information like IP address and browser type
- Cookies to improve your browsing experience
Third-Party Services
We use secure, HIPAA-compliant third-party services for:
- Appointment scheduling
- Secure patient communications
- Website analytics (with anonymized data only)
Online Communications
While we use secure methods, please remember that regular email and text messages are not fully secure. For sensitive health information, we’ll use our secure patient portal or phone calls.
Insurance and Billing Privacy
We work with insurance companies to:
- Verify your benefits and coverage
- Obtain prior authorizations for treatment
- Submit claims for services provided
- Handle appeals and payment issues
Bibiana Cordero, our administrative assistant, handles all insurance communications and follows strict privacy protocols to protect your information.
Minors and Privacy
For patients under 18, we follow New York State laws regarding:
- Parental consent for treatment
- Confidentiality of certain sensitive health information
- When we may need to share information with parents or guardians
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as needed to comply with changing laws or improve our practices. We will notify you of significant changes and post the updated policy on our website with the effective date.
Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact:
Bibiana Cordero, Administrative Assistant
- Phone: (917) 688-2446
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM
- Email: differentapproachclinic@gmail.com
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
Notice of Privacy Practices
This Privacy Policy serves as our Notice of Privacy Practices as required by HIPAA. By receiving services from Different Approach NP in Psychiatry, you acknowledge that you have been provided with this notice and understand how your health information may be used and disclosed.
Different Approach NP in Psychiatry
James Dusenbury, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
307 West 38th Street, Suite 1642
New York, NY 10018
(917) 688-2446
