· Read your health care provider’s and health plan’s Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice informs you about your rights and how the providers may use your personal health information. You can request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment or notification purposes.

· Talk to your health care provider and health plan if you have any concerns about the confidentiality of your health information.

· Read the fine print before you authorize release of information. The authorization should specify who is to receive your health information and the purpose of its use.

· Know what health information is being collected about you and by whom.

· Be cautious before giving your information on Web sites, phone surveys, or in health screening questionnaires. Know how the information may be used or disclosed.

Personal health information privacy is also a concern to the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who provide treatment and care. Health information management professionals are constantly working with health care providers to make sure information is kept private, secure and in accordance with federal and state laws.