FMH Wellness – Privacy & Telehealth Policy

Notice to Patients

These policies may change at any time. By continuing care with FMH Wellness, you acknowledge and accept the policies in effect at that time.

1. Telehealth Services

FMH Wellness offers psychiatric care via HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms exclusively for patients located in Illinois.

Consent and Patient Rights

  • You may withhold or withdraw consent to telehealth services at any time without impacting your future care.

  • All HIPAA protections fully apply during telehealth sessions.

  • You have the right to request access to medical information transmitted during telehealth visits.

  • No identifiable images or data will be shared without your explicit written consent.

In emergencies, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

2. Electronic Communication & SMS Consent

FMH Wellness may communicate via email, SMS, or secure phone lines for administrative purposes such as appointment reminders and updates.

  • These communications are for administrative use only — not for clinical discussions or emergencies.

  • Electronic communication may not be fully secure; please use discretion.

  • By opting in, you consent to receive recurring texts; message and data rates may apply.

  • You may opt out anytime by replying STOP, or get help by replying HELP.

  • FMH Wellness does not sell, rent, or share your contact information for marketing purposes.

3. Privacy Policy

Our Commitment

FMH Wellness is committed to protecting the confidentiality of your personal and health information in accordance with HIPAA, Illinois law, and applicable federal regulations.

Information We Collect

  • Personal Information: Name, contact information, demographic details, medical history, and other clinical information you provide. This information can be used to bill your insurance. We may collect information related to payment and billing, including insurance eligibility and benefits information. 

  • Non-Personal Information: IP address, browser type, device data, and website usage analytics.

  • Website Contact Form: Data submitted through our contact form may not be fully secure. For sensitive matters, please call us directly.

How We Use Your Information

Your data is used to:

  • Schedule and deliver psychiatric care (in person or via telehealth)

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Communicate regarding your care and appointments

  • To verify insurance eligibility, submit insurance claims, obtain authorizations, and process payments

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Non-personal information may be used or disclosed for any purpose.
We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.

HIPAA Compliance & Safeguards

Your health information is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and is safeguarded as required under HIPAA. FMH Wellness uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data. These include:

  • PracticeQ for secure scheduling and electronic health records (EHR)

  • Availity and Office Ally as HIPAA-compliant healthcare clearinghouses for insurance eligibility verification, claims submission, and related billing functions

  • Google Workspace under a HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

  • iPlum for secure phone calls, voicemail, and text messaging

  • Encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms for telehealth services

3.1 Certain Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Your Authorization

FMH Wellness may use or disclose your PHI without your written consent for the following reasons, subject to legal limits:

  • When Required by Law: To comply with federal, state, or local laws and legal proceedings.

  • Public Health Activities: To report suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or to reduce a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.

  • Health Oversight Activities: Including audits, inspections, and investigations by oversight agencies.

  • Judicial and Administrative Proceedings: In response to a valid court or administrative order. Authorization will be sought when feasible.

  • Law Enforcement Purposes: To report crimes occurring on FMH Wellness premises or comply with legal requests.

  • Medical Examiners or Coroners: For duties such as identifying deceased persons or determining cause of death.

  • Specialized Government Functions: Including military, national security, protective services for the President, or correctional institution duties.

  • Appointment Reminders & Health-Related Services: To remind you of scheduled care or inform you about services and treatment options at FMH Wellness.

  • Business Transfers: If FMH Wellness is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

3.2 Uses and Disclosures That Allow You the Opportunity to Object

FMH Wellness may disclose your PHI to a family member, friend, or other individual involved in your care or payment for your care — unless you object, in part or whole.

You have the right to:

  • Request that certain individuals not receive your information

  • Revoke consent at any time

If you’re unable to communicate or in an emergency, FMH Wellness may use professional judgment and inform those involved in your care, with the opportunity for you to object afterward.

4. Website & Third-Party Tools

Please be aware that information submitted through our website (e.g., contact forms) may not be fully secure. For sensitive matters, please contact us directly.

Third-Party Tools Used:

  • PracticeQ for scheduling and EHR

  • Availity and Office Ally for insurance eligibility verification, claims submission, and related billing functions

  • Google Workspace for communication and documentation

  • iPlum for secure voice and text communication

All tools are used under HIPAA-compliant agreements and appropriate safeguards.

5. Your Rights

As a patient of FMH Wellness, you have the right to:

  • Access your health records

  • Request corrections to your records

  • Review disclosures of your PHI

  • Request limitations on certain uses or disclosures (as allowed by law)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us directly.

6. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy & Telehealth Policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be published on our website with the revised effective date.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites that are not under our control. FMH Wellness is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

8. Contact Information

FMH Wellness
Dr. Mariyah Hussain
📍 29W170 Butterfield Rd, Suite 101–102
Warrenville, IL 60555
📞 224-267-5569
🌐 fmhwellness.com

Acknowledgment

By continuing to receive services at FMH Wellness, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy & Telehealth Policy.