New office location: 11713 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland, TX 77584
HIPAA Compliance & Notice of Privacy Practices
At Dr. Robert L. Burke Orthopedics, we value your trust and are fully committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your medical information. This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), federal and state regulations, and Google Health Content Compliance Standards.
We maintain your health information within secure medical records that are the property of Dr. Robert L. Burke Orthopedics and used solely to support your care, treatment, and quality outcomes.
Our Legal Duties
We are legally required to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your health information.
- Provide you with this Notice outlining our privacy practices.
- Abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
- Notify you promptly if a breach of unsecured health information occurs.
We reserve the right to update this Notice as regulations evolve and will make new provisions effective for all PHI we maintain. Updated notices will always be available on drburkeortho.com or upon request at our offices.
Your Health Information Rights
You have important rights concerning your medical records and PHI:
1. Right to a Copy of this Notice – You may request a printed or electronic copy at any time.
2. Right to Inspect and Copy – You may review or obtain copies of your medical records. Requests must be in writing. Reasonable fees may apply for copying and mailing.
3. Right to Amend – You may request corrections if your information is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests must be written and include a reason.
4. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures – You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI made within the past six years.
5. Right to Request Restrictions – You may request limitations on how we use or share your PHI. While not all requests can be granted, we will honor legally required restrictions (for example, when you pay out-of-pocket).
6. Right to Revoke Authorization – You may withdraw prior authorization for disclosures, except where actions have already been taken.
7. Right to Alternative Communication Methods – You may request confidential communication through specific channels (for example, phone or mail).
8. Right to Breach Notification – You have the right to be notified if a data breach affects your PHI.
9. Right to Opt Out of Fundraising Communications – You may opt out of any fundraising messages.
Requests must be submitted in writing to the contact addresses listed at the end of this Notice.
How We Use or Disclose Health Information Without Authorization
1: Treatment
We use and disclose PHI to coordinate your care among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment.
2: Payment
We may share PHI with your insurance provider or payor to obtain payment for services rendered, confirm coverage, or process claims.
3. Health Care Operations
We use PHI to evaluate and improve quality of care, train staff, manage business operations, and ensure patient safety.
4. Organized Health Care Arrangements
We may participate in clinically integrated arrangements (such as with hospitals or long-term care facilities) to support continuity of care.
5. Individuals Involved in Your Care
We may share relevant information with family members or friends directly involved in your care or payment, unless you object.
6. Business Associates
We work with carefully screened vendors—such as billing, IT, and legal partners—who must sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) ensuring they safeguard your PHI.
7. Appointment Reminders & Alternative Treatments
We may contact you regarding appointments, treatment options, or health-related benefits.
8. Public Health & Safety
We may share PHI as required by law to report disease, prevent or control public health risks, or assist law enforcement.
9. Health Care Oversight
PHI may be disclosed to authorized oversight agencies for audits, inspections, or investigations.
10. Research
PHI may be shared with approved research boards following privacy review protocols.
11. FDA & Product Safety
We may report adverse events or product issues to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
12. Legal and Government Requirements
We may disclose PHI for judicial, correctional, national security, or worker’s-compensation purposes, consistent with the law.
Other Applicable Laws & Special Protections
We comply with federal, state, and local laws that provide stricter privacy protections than HIPAA.
Alcohol & Drug Treatment Confidentiality
Records identifying you as a participant in an alcohol or drug-treatment program are protected under 42 U.S.C. § 290dd-3, 42 U.S.C. § 290ee-3, and 42 C.F.R. Part 2. Disclosure may only occur under specific, legally defined circumstances.
State Privacy Laws
When state laws offer greater patient protections, we will follow those laws over federal standards.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
- Dr. Burke Orthopedics (contact information below)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
Dr. Robert L. Burke Orthopedics
Pearland Office:
Dr. Burke Orthopedics
10233 Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77584
(713) 436-3488
info@drburkeortho.com
Complaints
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should never be interpreted as a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. For personalized evaluation and care, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert L. Burke Orthopedics. Testimonials reflect individual patient experiences and results may vary.
Commitment to Google Health Content Compliance
Dr. Burke Orthopedics aligns this policy with Google’s 2025 Healthcare Content and Advertising Standards, ensuring:
- Transparent disclosure and lawful handling of PHI.
- Evidence-based, people-first health communications.
- Secure and compliant data collection practices.
- Clear privacy and patient-consent options for all online forms and remarketing activities.
This commitment reinforces our dedication to E-E-A-T standards — Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness — across all patient interactions and digital content.