A K Access, Inc.

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In accordance with our obligations under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 290dd-2) and related regulations (42 CFR Part 2), Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation cannot make any representation as to whether any specific person was a patient or prospective patient of Hazelden Betty Ford and nothing in...

this correspondence should be construed as an acknowledgement that the person named was ever a patient of our program.The documents provided indicate that a HIPAA release has been provided; however, we have been unable to view this release. Furthermore, a standard HIPAA release is typically not sufficient authorization to release records or information under 42 CFR Part 2. In order to respond to complaints in any material fashion, the individual who is the subject of the information will need to sign and return the attached authorization form. With that said, Hazelden Betty Ford takes all complaints and grievances seriously. We have investigated the claims made in connection with this case and have closed the investigation as complete. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.  Sincerely,Lauren [redacted]ParalegalHazelden Betty Ford Foundation [redacted]Center City, MN 55012

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 11, 2015/08/19) */
[redacted]response has been scanned in and converted to text below (original document is available using the online complaint system).
In response to the above-referenced complaint, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation ("Hazelden
Betty Ford") is a...

national drug and alcohol addiction treatment center and, therefore; is under
strict federal confidentiality requirements.
In accordance with Hazelden Betty Ford's obligations under federal law 1 and related
regulations2, Hazelden Betty Ford cannot make any representation as to whether any specific
person was ever a patient or prospective patient of Hazelden Betty Ford without a release
meeting the legal requirements executed by the patient or a court order meeting the
requirements of the federal regulation, accompanied by a valid subpoena.
With that said, insurance coverage for Hazelden Betty Ford services varies greatly between
carriers, and while Hazelden Betty Ford often works with insurance carriers to determine
benefits, it makes no guarantees to patients about eligibility for coverage. Each carrier has
specific requirements to determine eligibility and most require patients to complete the pre
certification process upon admission, as coverage often depends on medical necessity and such
information cannot be gathered until a patient is admitted.
Due to the variance of coverage, patients are informed that Hazelden Betty ford cannot
guarantee coverage and advised to secure backup funding to pay for services in the event that
coverage is denied. Additionally, upon admission patients sign an Admissions and Consent
Agreement certifying that the patient has read and understands his or her responsibilities for
payment of services, among other things. A copy of the Hazelden Betty Ford Admissions and
Consent Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
Once a patient is informed that his or her insurance carrier has denied benefits, it is at the
patient's will to continue with treatment with the understanding that he or she will be
responsible for payment, pursuant to the Admissions and Consent Agreement, or to decline
treatment to prevent future charges.
Hazelden Betty Ford has investigated the claims made in connection with the above-referenced
case and has closed the investigation as complete. Please contact the undersigned should you
have additional questions or concerns.