KOVA HEALTHCARE

Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING THAT INFORMATION, AND HOW YOU MAY OBTAIN ACCESS TO IT. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Kova Healthcare ("Kova," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your Protected Health Information ("PHI").

As an Independent Practice Association (IPA), Kova Healthcare works with participating physicians, medical groups, hospitals, health plans, and other healthcare providers to support the delivery of high-quality, coordinated healthcare services.

Federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), requires us to protect the privacy of your PHI, provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and comply with the terms of this Notice currently in effect.

This Notice describes how Kova Healthcare may use and disclose Protected Health Information that we receive or maintain in connection with our healthcare operations and administrative functions.

Our Role as an Independent Practice Association

Kova Healthcare does not directly provide medical treatment to patients. Medical care is provided by your physician or other licensed healthcare provider. As part of our role as an Independent Practice Association, Kova Healthcare may receive, create, maintain, or transmit Protected Health Information to support activities including:

Care coordination
Population health management
Quality improvement initiatives
Utilization management
Provider credentialing
Contract administration
Claims and payment activities
Network administration
Regulatory compliance
Other healthcare operations permitted by HIPAA

Protected Health Information We May Maintain

The information we receive or maintain may include:

Your name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and other identifying information.
Health insurance and eligibility information.
Information regarding healthcare services received from participating providers.
Diagnoses, procedures, medications, laboratory results, and other clinical information necessary for healthcare operations.
Billing and payment information.
Other information necessary to administer healthcare services or health plan relationships.

Medical Records Maintained by Participating Providers

As an Independent Practice Association, Kova Healthcare may receive or maintain certain Protected Health Information from participating physicians, medical groups, hospitals, health plans, or other healthcare providers in connection with healthcare operations and care coordination. However, your treating physician or healthcare facility generally maintains your complete medical record. Requests for complete medical records should typically be directed to the healthcare provider or facility that created or maintains those records.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

Federal law permits Kova Healthcare to use and disclose Protected Health Information without your written authorization for the following purposes.

Treatment

Although Kova Healthcare does not provide direct medical treatment, we may share information with your physicians and other healthcare providers to support care coordination and continuity of care.

Payment

We may use or disclose your information to facilitate payment for healthcare services, verify eligibility, administer contracts, process claims, and perform other payment-related activities.

Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your information to support healthcare operations, including:

Quality assessment and performance improvement
Population health management
Case management
Utilization review
Credentialing and provider evaluation
Compliance activities
Accreditation
Business planning and administration
Contract management
Information technology and security
Risk management
Training and education
Customer service

Other Uses and Disclosures Permitted by Law

We may also use or disclose your Protected Health Information when permitted or required by law, including:

As required by federal, state, or local law.
For public health reporting and disease prevention.
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
For health oversight activities, audits, inspections, investigations, and licensing.
In response to court orders, subpoenas, or other lawful legal process.
For certain law enforcement purposes.
To coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors.
For approved research activities consistent with HIPAA.
To avert a serious threat to health or safety.
For workers' compensation purposes.
For specialized government functions authorized by law.

Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization

Any use or disclosure of your Protected Health Information not otherwise permitted by HIPAA will require your written authorization.

This generally includes:

Most uses and disclosures of psychotherapy notes.
Most marketing communications involving Protected Health Information.
The sale of Protected Health Information.
Any other disclosures requiring authorization under applicable law.

You may revoke an authorization at any time by submitting a written request, except to the extent action has already been taken in reliance upon that authorization.

Your Rights

You have important rights regarding your Protected Health Information.

Right to Inspect and Receive Copies

You may request access to Protected Health Information maintained by Kova Healthcare that is available to you under HIPAA.

Right to Request an Amendment

You may request that inaccurate or incomplete information be corrected.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures made by Kova Healthcare.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your information. While we will carefully consider all requests, we are not required to agree except where required by law.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at an alternative location.

Right to Receive a Paper Copy

You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

Right to Receive Breach Notification

You have the right to receive notification if a breach involving your unsecured Protected Health Information occurs and notification is required by law.

Our Responsibilities

Kova Healthcare is required by law to:

Protect the privacy and security of Protected Health Information.
Provide this Notice of Privacy Practices.
Comply with the terms of this Notice.
Notify affected individuals following a reportable breach of unsecured Protected Health Information.
Obtain authorization before using or disclosing information when required by law.

Changes to This Notice

Kova Healthcare reserves the right to revise this Notice at any time.

Any revised Notice will apply to all Protected Health Information maintained by Kova Healthcare, including information previously received or maintained. The current Notice will always be available at our offices, on our website, and upon request.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Kova Healthcare by contacting our Privacy Officer.

You may also file a complaint with the:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights

You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

Privacy Officer
Anthony Olivares

Kova Healthcare

7061 N. Whitney Avenue

Fresno, CA 93720

Phone: (559) 328-5881

Email: support@kovahealthcare.org