We know that keeping your personal information private is important to you. Maintaining your privacy is important to us. We keep your information private in a number of ways:

• Our computer system helps us protect your personal information and privacy. Your medical records are contained in an "electronic" safe-deposit box.
• We have certain rules about how people can access your information. Only authorized staff can review it.
• All of our employees, contractors, and vendors have signed an agreement that promises your information is kept private.

Your medical information is available to our health care providers. Our computer system allows them to review your records almost instantly. This availability enables us to provide you with the best health care possible.

Because of this special system, only authorized personnel can look at your medical information. No one is allowed to review your medical information unless you say it is ok. Occasionally we review medical records to ensure that our staff is helping you the best way possible. When information is reviewed, patient names are never used and your information is kept private.

Your health care is a personal matter. We know that you want private things to remain private. We have policies to ensure our employees respect your privacy. Therefore, we comply with all the appropriate Federal laws.

We ask your permission before we release your medical information to someone outside our medical center, unless the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. Sec. 552a) allows us to release information without your consent. If we are required by law to release information, we will make a good faith effort to notify you.

You, your guardian, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney can see your medical record or any information about your treatment. You may review your medical record with someone or have copies made of all/or a portion of your record. You can also ask that your record be changed if you find a mistake in the information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the confidentiality and/or privacy issues of your medical record, you can contact the Facilities Correspondence Unit, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer, or Privacy Officer. The FOIA/Privacy Officer is the facility's Health Information Manager located in the Health Information Department.

Correspondence Units in the VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York: