This privacy policy applies to the wellnessalaska.com website. For our complete Notice of Privacy Practices under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), contact our office at (907) 600-5227 or info@wellnessalaska.com.
Information We Collect
To provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management services, Wellness Alaska collects information that falls into several categories:
- Contact and Registration Information: Name, date of birth, address, email address, phone number
- Insurance and Billing Information: Insurance carrier, policy number, employer information, billing address
- Medical History: Previous psychiatric diagnoses, medical conditions, allergies, current and past medications, family history of psychiatric or medical conditions
- Treatment Information: Symptoms you report, assessment findings, diagnoses, prescribed medications, treatment plans, session notes, and progress updates
- Health and Behavioral Data: Information necessary for evaluation and treatment, including mental health history, substance use history, and functional status
You provide most of this information directly to us through our intake forms, patient portal, or during your appointments. Some information may come from previous providers with your authorization.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Treatment: To evaluate your condition, establish a diagnosis, monitor your response to medication, and adjust your treatment plan
- Billing and Insurance: To prepare billing statements, submit insurance claims, manage payment, and communicate with your insurance carrier
- Communication: To send appointment reminders, follow-up messages, laboratory or test results, and to respond to your inquiries
- Care Coordination: To coordinate care with your primary care physician, therapist, or other providers involved in your treatment — only with your written consent
- Record Keeping: To maintain accurate, complete medical records as required by law and clinical standards
We do not use your information for marketing, research, or any purpose beyond what is necessary to provide your care and manage our practice.
How We Protect Your Information
Wellness Alaska is committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your health information:
- HIPAA Compliance: Our practice is fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. All staff are trained in HIPAA requirements and patient privacy rights.
- Telehealth Security: All video appointments are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant secure platform with end-to-end encryption. Your internet connection must be secure and private.
- Electronic Health Records: Patient records are stored in a secure, encrypted electronic health record system with restricted access based on role and need-to-know.
- Administrative Safeguards: We use administrative controls including access controls, audit logs, employee training, and privacy policies to protect your data.
- Physical Security: Paper records (if any) are stored in locked cabinets with restricted access.
- Data Retention: Records are maintained for the duration of the patient relationship plus a minimum of 7 years as required by law.
Telehealth-Specific Privacy Considerations
Telehealth appointments at Wellness Alaska are conducted using a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. We recommend the following to protect your privacy during appointments:
- Use a secure, password-protected internet connection
- Ensure you are in a private location where others cannot see or hear your appointment
- Close other browser windows and applications before your appointment
- Use a device that you control and that has up-to-date security software
Recording Policy: Wellness Alaska does not record telehealth sessions. Recordings of sessions without explicit written consent are prohibited.
Sharing Your Information
Your health information is confidential and will not be shared without your authorization, except as required by law. Specifically:
- With Your Consent: We will share information only with providers, facilities, or individuals you authorize in writing. Examples include your primary care physician, therapist, or family members.
- Required by Law: We are required to disclose information in response to valid court orders, subpoenas, or legal process.
- Mandatory Reporting: In limited circumstances, we are required to report information without your consent to protect safety: (a) suspected child abuse or neglect to child protective services; (b) suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult to adult protective services; (c) threats of harm to yourself or others to law enforcement and/or the person at risk.
- Imminent Danger: If you present an imminent danger to yourself or others, we may disclose necessary information to appropriate emergency services or facilities.
- Insurance Verification: We will share relevant clinical information with your insurance carrier to verify coverage and process claims.
- SMS Communications: SMS consent and mobile phone numbers collected for appointment reminders and patient care communications are not shared with third parties for any purpose, including marketing.
SMS consent is not shared to third parties.
You have the right to restrict how your information is shared and to be notified when disclosures are made, with limited exceptions as noted above.
Your Privacy Rights Under HIPAA
As a patient of Wellness Alaska, you have the following rights regarding your health information:
- Right to Access: You have the right to request and receive a copy of your medical records in a format you understand. We will provide this within 30 days of your request.
- Right to Request Corrections: If you believe information in your record is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request a correction. We will review your request and respond within 60 days.
- Right to Request Restrictions: You may request that we limit how we use or disclose your information. We will consider your request, though we are not required to grant all restrictions.
- Right to Receive an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of who we have disclosed your information to and for what purpose. We maintain detailed records of all disclosures.
- Right to Request Confidential Communication: You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means (for example, at a work address instead of home).
To exercise any of these rights, contact our office in writing at the address or email provided at the end of this policy.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use basic analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site, such as page traffic and general user behavior. These tools do not collect or transmit any protected health information. Analytics data helps us improve the website and user experience.
Our website does not use tracking cookies for advertising or third-party marketing purposes. If you prefer not to have analytics data collected, you can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect site functionality.
No medical or psychiatric information is collected through website analytics.
Privacy Concerns and Complaints
If you have concerns about how your privacy has been protected or believe your rights have been violated, please contact us immediately:
- Phone: (907) 600-5227
- Email: info@wellnessalaska.com
- Mailing Address: Wellness Alaska, Integrated Wellness and Recovery, LLC; contact office for details
You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if you believe your HIPAA rights have been violated. OCR can be reached at 1-800-368-1019 or www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints.
Contact Information
Wellness Alaska is a registered DBA of Integrated Wellness and Recovery, LLC. For privacy questions, records requests, or to exercise your rights, contact us:
Policy Updates
This privacy policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes and post the updated policy on our website. Your continued use of our services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Last Updated: April 2026