What is HIPAA?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system. Congress passed this
landmark law to provide consumers with protection of private information. This law
requires that all health care providers, including HMO organizations, have Policy
and Procedures that protect members personal health information while providing
for their health care needs.
Upon enrollment you should receive a Notice of Privacy Practices for Universal Health
Care, informing you of your rights under this new law. Please be aware that for
your physician to share personal health information about you to others, you need
to provide him or her with a written authorization giving permission to do so.
If you have any questions regarding HIPAA, you can contact Universal Health Care's
Privacy Office by phone at 1-727-822-3446, or in writing to Universal Health Care,
100 Central Avenue, Suite 200, St Petersburg, Fl., 33701.