Privacy Policy

Announcing the retirement of Dr. Suzanne Hall, MD and the closure of Appalachian Shoulder Specialists, Appalachian Orthopaedics.  Requests for office records must be made by March 7, 2024.  After that, operative reports can still be obtained directly from Pardee Hospital Medical Records.  CDs of radiographic images such as Xrays and MRIs can be obtained from Pardee Hospital Radiology if done there. If follow up is being done by an orthopedist within the UNCH system, they have direct access to Pardee Radiology images via computer so no CD is needed.  We have enjoyed taking care of you over the years and appreciated your trust in us.  We wish you all the best. 

Notice of Privacy Practices

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.

If you have any questions about this notice, please contract the Privacy Officer, (828) 697-1944 ext 116

OUR OBLIGATIONS:
We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy of protected health information
  • Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding health information about you
  • Follow the terms of our notice that is currently in effect

HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION:
Described as follows are the ways we may use and disclose health information that identifies you (“Health Information”).  Except for the following purposes, we will use and disclose Health Information only with your written permission.  You may revoke such permission at any time by writing to our practice Privacy Officer.

Treatment.  We may use and disclose Health Information for your treatment and to provide you with treatment-related health care services.  For example, we may disclose Health Information to doctors, nurses, technicians, or other personnel, including people outside our office, who are involved in your medical care and need the information to provide you with medical care.

Payment.  We may use and disclose Health Information so that we or others may bill and receive payment from you, an insurance company, or a third party for the treatment and services you received.  For example, we may give your health plan information so that they will pay for your treatment.

Health Care Operations.  We may use and disclose Health Information for health care operation purposes.  These uses and disclosures are necessary to make sure that all of our patients receive quality care and to operate and manage our office.