Committed to quality health care and protecting the confidentiality of patient health and financial information.
Overview
Harvard University Health Services is committed to delivering quality healthcare services, including protecting the confidentiality of patient health and financial information from unauthorized use or disclosure. Harvard University Health Services is required by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of its patients.
Harvard University Health Services employees, including all physicians, conduct their activities in such a way as to:
- Meet applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations
- Reflect creditably on and be in accordance with administrative University policies for personal and professional conduct
- Comply with University policies and procedures relating to ethical business practices and legal compliance
Commitment to Confidentiality
Your right to privacy is important to Harvard University Health Services. We believe that patient confidentiality is an essential aspect of excellent medical and mental health care, and each patient can be assured that all health information is treated confidentially and protected to the fullest extent permissible by law. Our staff members adhere to the following laws, policies, and practices:
- HUHS Notice of Privacy Practices
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- Release of Health Care Information
- Limitations of Email: Harvard University Health Services cannot guarantee the privacy of email communications—email should not be used for urgent or time-sensitive issues
- Secure Messaging: Students and HUGHP members with a Harvard University Health Services primary care physician have access to the Patient Portal and can communicate directly with clinicians via secure messaging
Commitment to Quality
Patient satisfaction is an important measure of our performance in the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Patient Feedback
The HUHS Patient Advocate reviews patient comments, suggestions, and opinions, to measure the overall level of patient satisfaction. Patients may contact the Patient Advocate by phone, email, written correspondence, or make an appointment in person. Patients may also fill out “Patient Satisfaction Survey” forms available at any HUHS Clinic.
Commitment to Effective Communication
We commit to facilitating communication between members of our staff and patients and to complying with federal and state regulations and accreditation requirements.
Interpreter Services
We will provide clear communication with all patients and their families about their health. Interpreter services are available for non-English speaking patients. Additional services are available for patients who are hearing or visually impaired.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This federal law prohibits national origin discrimination as it affects persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Translation Services
Responding to the needs of our diverse population is important to us, as is communicating to our patients that we are sensitive to and supportive of diversity issues. HUHS translates key publications (such as signage in our reception areas and waiting rooms) for our community members whose native language is not English.