SYDNEY SAWYER, MD | DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS
1610 HOTCHKIN DRIVE, NOVATO, CA 94947 | 707.266.6338

HIPAA NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Your Rights

When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. You have the right to:

  • Get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record.

  • Ask us to correct your medical record.

  • Request confidential communications.

  • Ask us to limit what we use or share.

  • Get a list of those with whom we've shared your information.

  • Get a copy of this privacy notice.

  • Choose someone to act for you (if you give them medical power of attorney).

  • File a complaint if you feel your privacy rights are violated.

Our Uses and Disclosures

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:

  • Treat you: We can use your medical information and share it with other professionals who are treating you.

  • Run the organization: We can use and share your health information to run our practice, improve your care, and contact you when necessary.

  • Bill for your services: We can use and share your health information to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities.

We are also allowed or required to share your information in other ways—usually in ways that contribute to the public good, such as public health and research. We have to meet many conditions in the law before we can share your information for these purposes.

Our Responsibilities

  • We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.

  • We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

  • We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it.

  • We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell us we can in writing.

Changes to this Notice

We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our web site.

Effective Date:JUNE 15, 2026

Contact Information:
For more information or to report a problem, contact Dr. Sawyer at (707)266-6338 or sydney@sydneysawyermd.com.

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE POLICIES FROM DR. SAWYER:

Medication Management Issues:

If I am prescribing medication for your child, the standard of care dictates that I see your child at least every 3 months. There may be cases in which office visits every 6 months are acceptable. Refills may be requested through your Patient Portal.

Cancellations:

The scheduling of an appointment means that I reserve that time for you. Therefore, you will be billed for a session that you cancel with less than 24 hours notice. Please be aware that insurance companies will not generally reimburse for a cancelled session.

Telephone and Emergency Procedures:

If you need to contact me, please message me through the Patient Portal. Alternatively, you may email or call me. If you need me to call you back, please be sure to leave your telephone number and times when I may reach you. I will call you back as soon as I am available. In the event of an urgent matter when I am away, please contact your primary care physician, local emergency room or crisis intervention service, if needed.

Confidentiality:

All information disclosed within a session is confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except when disclosure may be required by law. Disclosure may be required in the following circumstances:

1. When there is a reasonable suspicion of child, elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

2. When there is reasonable suspicion that you or your child present a danger of violence to others, or to the property of others, or if you or your child are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken.

3. Disclosure may also be required pursuant to a legal proceeding.

THANK YOU FOR READING THESE POLICIES THOROUGHLY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.