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Patient Rights, Responsibilities & Privacy
At University Health Services, your privacy, dignity, safety, and right to participate in your healthcare decisions are important to us.
Your UHS medical and counseling care are confidential and protected by applicable federal and Massachusetts this page explains your rights as a patient, how UHS protects your information, and how you can access your health records.
Your Privacy and Confidentiality
Your health information is maintained securely in UHS's electronic health record (EHR) system. UHS staff access health information only as needed to provide care, coordinate services, and perform necessary healthcare operations.
UHS employees and volunteers receive confidentiality training and are required to follow applicable privacy and security requirements.
SMS Terms of Service
91视频 University Health Services may send text messages to patients who have opted in to receive SMS communications through the UHS electronic health record system. Message frequency may vary.
Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
You can:
- Reply STOP to opt out of text messages.
- Reply HELP for more information.
- Contact UHS@umb.edu with questions.
You can read the UHS SMS Privacy Policy here.
Secure Communication
The My Health Beacon Portal provides a secure way to communicate with UHS and access certain health information.
Your Rights as a Patient
You have the right to:
- Receive confidential healthcare and have your health information protected.
- Participate in decisions about your healthcare.
- Ask questions about your care and receive information about your treatment.
- Request access to your health records.
- Request copies of your health records.
- Request a chaperone during any visit or sensitive examination.
- Request a chaperone of a specific gender; UHS will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.
- Ask for an explanation of UHS policies and procedures that affect your care.
- Receive language interpretation services when needed.
Massachusetts law also recognizes patients' rights to confidentiality of medical records and communications, subject to applicable legal exceptions.
Medical Chaperones
UHS uses trained medical chaperones during sensitive portions of examinations, treatments, and procedures to support patient safety, comfort, dignity, and privacy.
A chaperone is a trained UHS employee who is present during the sensitive portion of a clinical encounter.
When is a chaperone required?
UHS provides a chaperone during sensitive portions of visits involving:
- Genital examinations or procedures
- Rectal examinations or procedures
- Breast examinations or procedures
- Pelvic examinations
- Other sensitive examinations or procedures as defined by UHS policy
Can I request a chaperone?
Yes. You may request a chaperone during any visit, whether or not the visit involves a sensitive examination.
A chaperone will also be provided when requested by the provider.
If a requested chaperone is not immediately available, you may choose to reschedule the examination, treatment, or procedure.
Can I request a chaperone of a specific gender?
Yes. UHS will make every effort to accommodate your request.
If your requested chaperone is not available, you may choose to continue with the visit or reschedule.
When is the chaperone present?
The chaperone is present only during the sensitive portion of the visit, unless they are also providing clinical care or assistance.
What if I have questions or concerns?
If you are uncomfortable or have questions about what will happen during an examination or procedure, please ask your provider. Your comfort and understanding matter.
What about emergencies?
In an emergency, necessary care may proceed without a chaperone if one is not immediately available. The provider will document the circumstances according to UHS policy.
Releasing Your Health Information
UHS generally requires your written authorization before releasing your health information to another person or organization.
There are limited circumstances in which information may be disclosed without your written authorization, such as when disclosure is required or permitted by law or is necessary to address certain serious health or safety concerns.
If you want UHS to share your health information with another person or healthcare provider, you may need to complete an Authorization to Obtain Medical Information Form.
Where to Submit Your Request:
- Email the completed form to UHS@umb.edu
- Mail the records to:
University Health Services
ATTN: Health Records Department
91视频
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Questions? Contact UHS at (617) 287-5660 or email UHS@umb.edu.
What is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a document from your health insurance company that may show information about healthcare services, dates of care, costs, and payments.
If you are covered under someone else's insurance plan, the policyholder may otherwise receive an EOB or similar billing information.
Accessing Your Health Records
You may request access to your UHS health records.
UHS retains health records according to the applicable record-retention requirements.
Authorization to Obtain Medical Information Form
For questions about accessing your records, contact UHS at (617) 287-5660.
Protecting Confidential Health Information: Massachusetts PATCH Act
If you use a Massachusetts health insurance plan through someone else's policy — for example, a parent, spouse, or partner — you may be able to request that certain insurance billing information be sent directly to you.
This protection is particularly important when receiving sensitive health services.
What does the PATCH Act protect?
Massachusetts law provides protections that allow eligible patients to request confidential handling of certain insurance billing information related to sensitive healthcare services.
Sensitive services can include:
- Mental health services
- Substance use disorder services
- Sexual and reproductive healthcare
- STI and HIV testing, treatment, and prevention
- Gender-affirming care
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Fertility services
- Abortion services
- Sexual assault-related services
- Domestic violence-related services
How do I request confidential billing?
You must contact your health insurance company directly. Confidential billing protections are not automatic.
Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask how to have insurance billing information for sensitive healthcare services sent directly to you instead of the policyholder.
Your insurance company may ask for information such as your:
- Name
- Member or policy number
- Date(s) of service
- Preferred mailing address or email
Follow your insurance company's instructions to complete the request.
Sample Request Script:
"I would like to request that information about my healthcare services be sent directly to me rather than to the policyholder. What do I need to do to request confidential billing?"
Timing of Request
You can request confidential billing when you need it. If possible, contact your insurance company before receiving care so you understand how your plan handles confidential billing requests. If you have already received care, you can still contact your insurer to ask about your options.
Need Help?
UHS can help explain the general process, but your insurance company handles requests for confidential billing and EOB/SOP delivery. Contact the Member Services number on your insurance card for plan-specific questions.
If you have questions about your care or privacy at UHS, call 617-287-5660.
For additional information, visit the guidance on privacy in billing.
Language Interpretation Services
UHS provides language interpretation services to support effective communication with patients.
Need an interpreter? Let the front desk know when scheduling or checking in and tell us your preferred language.
Questions or Concerns 91视频 Your Rights?
If you have questions about your privacy, medical records, chaperones, or patient rights, please contact University Health Services.
University Health Services
Quinn Administration Building, Floor 2
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
General Medicine: 617-287-5660
Counseling Center: 617-287-5690