NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
ALAMO KIDNEYSpecialty Nephrology Practice
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY.
This notice is aligned with:
- HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR §164.520)
- HIPAA Breach Notification Rule
- Texas Medical Records Privacy Act
- Texas requirements reflected in SB 1188 (EHR governance, parental access framework, clinician review of AI-supported care)
- Texas Responsible AI governance expectations under HB 149
- 42 CFR Part 2 (when applicable)
OUR LEGAL DUTIES
Alamo Kidney is required by federal and Texas law to:- Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (“PHI”)
- Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
- Comply with the terms of this Notice currently in effect
- Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI as required by law
- Follow privacy protections that are more stringent under Texas law where applicable
WHAT INFORMATION WE PROTECT
Protected health information includes information that identifies you and relates to:- Your physical or mental health condition
- The healthcare you receive
- Payment for healthcare services
HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION
Treatment
We use and share PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage nephrology care. This includes:- CKD management and monitoring
- Dialysis planning and coordination
- Laboratory review and consultation
- Transplant evaluation and referral coordination
- Communication with hospitals, specialists, and other providers
Payment
We may use PHI to bill and collect payment from you, insurers, or third parties.Healthcare Operations
We may use PHI for:- Quality improvement
- Clinical review and peer review
- Staff training
- Credentialing
- Compliance and risk management
- Practice management activities
Public Health and Legal Requirements
We may disclose PHI when required or permitted by law, including:- Public health reporting
- Abuse or neglect reporting
- Health oversight activities
- Judicial or administrative proceedings
- Law enforcement purposes
- Workers’ compensation
- Organ donation
- Coroners or funeral directors
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS AND TECHNOLOGY USE
Alamo Kidney maintains medical information in secure electronic health record systems.- Access is restricted to authorized personnel who require information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
- Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards protect electronic PHI.
- Electronic records maintained by this practice are stored within the United States.
USE OF CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Alamo Kidney may use clinical decision support technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, to assist providers in evaluating medical information and supporting diagnosis or treatment planning.When such tools are used:
- Artificial intelligence supports but does not replace professional medical judgment.
- All AI-generated information or recommendations are reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Clinical decisions are made by your treating provider.
- Use of such technology is consistent with Texas law and professional licensure requirements.
SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION
Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2)
If we maintain records subject to 42 CFR Part 2, those records will not be disclosed without your written consent unless permitted by law.Genetic Information
We do not use or disclose genetic information for underwriting purposes.Psychotherapy Notes
Most uses or disclosures of psychotherapy notes require written authorization.SENSITIVE TEST RESULTS (Texas SB 922)
To ensure you receive life-changing news in a supportive environment, Texas law allows your physician up to three (3) days to review and discuss certain sensitive test results (such as cancer screenings or genetic markers) with you before they are automatically released to your patient portal.USES REQUIRING YOUR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION
We will obtain your written authorization for:- Marketing involving financial remuneration
- Sale of PHI
- Uses not otherwise permitted by law You may revoke authorization in writing at any time.
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR INFORMATION
You have the right to:Access Your Records
You may inspect or obtain a copy of your medical record.Request Amendment
You may request corrections to your record.Request Restrictions
You may request limits on uses or disclosures. We must honor certain requests when you pay out-of-pocket in full.Confidential Communications
You may request communications in a specific manner or location.Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures made during the previous six years.Receive Paper Copy of This Notice
You may request a paper copy at any time.MINORS AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Parents or legal guardians generally have access to a minor’s medical information unless restricted by law or court order. Personal representatives may exercise patient rights consistent with applicable law.THIRD-PARTY APPLICATIONS
If you direct us to send your health information to a third-party application or service, that entity’s privacy practices will apply once the information is transmitted.BREACH NOTIFICATION
If a breach of unsecured PHI occurs, we will notify you as required by federal and Texas law.COMPLAINTS
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with:- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Texas Attorney General We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Abhijeet Goyal, MDALAMO KIDNEY
9819 Huebner Road, Building 6
San Antonio, Tx
Ph: 210-756-3683
Email: info@alamokidney.com