Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

Disclaimer:
Direct Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is located at 4040 Florida St. Suite 202  Mandeville, LA 70448  (800) 908-0000. The Privacy Policy adopted in order to maintain clear standards of privacy and security with the information we are provided by customers for confidentiality states:

(1) We will not sell or provide secure proprietary information input by customers to any outside parties; and (2) No customer information is kept on the publicly available server.

By accessing this web site, users agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the guidelines set out in this Disclaimer. Do not consult this web site unless you agree not to hold DLS liable for any errors or omissions.

We offer laboratory services for wellness monitoring. The tests, services or products found listed in our web site are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. We give no warranty that any of our services will prevent disease. All material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for a physician's consultation. Although DLS encourages increased self-awareness and self-care, all readers are strongly encouraged to consult and work with an experienced health-care practitioner. DLS does not engage in rendering medical advice or services. Individuals with health disorders, medical conditions, or any condition needing medical supervision assume full responsibility for obtaining such professional medical assistance. Consult your physician regarding any symptoms or medical condition. We specifically disclaim any expressed or implied warranties or merchantability of fitness for any particular usage, application or purpose. DLS does not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication, and no information within this web site or presented by DLS or its associates may be construed or interpreted as recommending self-diagnosis or self-medication.

If a laboratory test result is outside normal range, you may be encouraged to see a physician. Many tests, to be validated, will need to be repeated at the discretion of a physician. Laboratory test results may vary depending upon age, sex, time of day blood sample is taken, diet, medications, and the limits of modern technology. A single laboratory test or group of tests cannot guarantee good health. False positive and false negative test results are possible. There are various medical diseases that cannot be uncovered by these tests alone. Testing by our medical staff only constitutes a partial evaluation of your state of health and does not represent a diagnosis or treatment of disease.

DLS shall not be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury caused in whole or in part by procuring, compiling, interpreting, delivering or reporting information through this web site. In no event shall DLS be liable to you or anyone else for any decisions made or action taken or not taken by you in reliance on such information. Material placed online by users does not represent medical advice of DLS and we make no representations with respect to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness or usefulness of the contents.

Privacy Policy - DLS general position on implementation or compliance with HIPAA and other privacy laws.
A. Protect and enhance consumer's rights of access to information.
B. Improve healthcare quality by restoring trust in the system
C. Improve efficiency of delivery with national framework
D. DLS will not use or disclose an individuals protected health information (PHI) except as otherwise permitted and/or required by HIPAA.
E. PHI may be used only for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. All other uses and disclosures will be by authorization only and Patient may revoke authorization.
F. All DLS Patients will receive and acknowledge the Privacy Notice. It is also available for the asking by mail or email, and posted in a clear and prominent place in the DLS offices at 300 Mariners Plaza Suite 321, Mandeville, LA 70448.
G. Privacy Notice will describe how medical information about Patients may be used and disclosed and how they may access said information.
H. DLS will make reasonable efforts to limit disclosure of PHI as much as possible.
I. Continuing compliance with HIPAA will be achieved through ongoing assessment, oversight and informational training, as coordinated through the privacy officer.
J. DLS shall address all complaints received from patients, clients, employees or third parties in an expeditious and meaningful manner.
K. DLS respects the rights of individuals, including employees, to make complaints, ask questions or inquire as to DLS's compliance with HIPAA and other privacy laws.
L. No adverse action or retaliation shall be taken against any such individual or employee based on any legitimate complaint, question, or inquiry.
M. DLS must identify those members of its workforce that require access to protected health information to perform their duties, specify the protected health information to which they require access and make reasonable efforts to limit their access accordingly.
N. All employees will be trained in order that DLS will be HIPAA compliant. New employees will be trained on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance with new personnel. Personnel will be retrained if significant changes occur which affect HIPAA or privacy laws. Employees, who fail to follow HIPAA requirements and/or the policies of DLS with respect to privacy rules, shall be sanctioned appropriately. Such sanctions may range from oral reprimand to termination. Any intentional breach of patient confidentiality, not permitted by law, shall be severely punished. All such sanctions shall be documented, in writing, by DLS.
O. To the extent practicable, DLS will mitigate the harmful effects of any known use or disclosure, by itself or its business associates that is in violation of the privacy rule and/or DLS's policies and procedures.