UMass Boston

Our staff access your health information only as necessary to provide comprehensive care and coordinate with each other using our secure EHR system. The EHR portal, My Health Beacon, enables confidential communication between providers and patients/clients.

To reinforce our commitment to confidentiality, all UHS employees undergo mandatory annual training, and every staff member and volunteer signs a confidentiality agreement. Regular audits of the EHR further ensure the security of your information.

We will not disclose your health information without your written consent, except in specific circumstances:

• In emergencies requiring treatment at another facility for continuity of care.
• When necessary to protect you or others from serious health or safety threats.
• When authorized or required by law.

Health records are retained for seven years.

Authorization to Obtain Medical Information Form

Please download and complete the Authorization to Obtain Medical Information Form. You can submit the form to UHS by bringing it in person, emailing it to uhs@umb.edu, or mailing it to:

University Health Services
ATTN: Health Records Department
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125

For any inquiries or assistance, please contact us directly. Your privacy and trust are paramount to us at UHS.

The new law provides the following protections: 

• EOB forms must now be addressed to the patient's name, even if they are a dependent on the insurance plan, rather than to the policyholder.
• Patients can choose their preferred method of receiving EOB forms, such as at a different mailing address or through an online portal.
• EOB forms will use general descriptions like "office visit" or "medical care" instead of specific details about sensitive services.
• Patients have the option to opt out of receiving an EOB form when there is no remaining cost-sharing for the healthcare visit or service.

These protections apply to a range of sensitive services, including:

• Mental Health Services
• Substance Use Disorder Services
• Gender Transition-Related Services
• Testing, Treatment, and Prevention of Sexual Transmitted Infections
• Testing, Treatment, and Prevention of HIV and AIDS
• Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B Testing and Treatment
• Reproductive and Contraceptive Services
• Fertility Services
• Abortion Services
• Pregnancy Testing and Counseling
• Sexual Risk Assessment and Services Related to Sexual Assault
• Domestic Violence Diagnosis and Services
• Management of Abnormal Pap Smears
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginal Infections
• Prenatal Care

To ensure your privacy under these new provisions, follow these steps:

1. Locate your health insurance plan name and policy number (member number).
2. Contact the customer service number on your health insurance card or visit your health plan's website.
3. Request that the EOB form be sent directly to your address instead of to the policyholder, or opt to receive it only electronically.
4. Your health plan may require a written request; they will provide instructions if needed.

Sample Request Script

"Hello, my name is [Your Name]. My policy number is [Your Policy Number]. I would like to request that information from my healthcare visit on [Date] at [Clinic Name] not be sent to my parents/spouse. Please send the EOB statement to [Your Address/Email]. Thank you!"

Timing of Request

It is best to make this request as soon as your health insurance begins and ideally before receiving any medical services. However, you can still request this change shortly after receiving care. Contact your insurance company promptly to confirm your request status or for further assistance.

Additional Assistance

For any questions or concerns, please call us at (617) 287-5660 and request to speak with one of our clinical staff or billing specialists. Your privacy is important to us at University Health Services, and we are here to support you in protecting your confidential health information.