Health Information and Third-Party Applications

You have the right to view your health information from First Choice Next, a product of Select Health of South Carolina, Inc., through websites and mobile apps that are not under First Choice Next’s control. The term "app" or "apps" used here means any of these websites or apps.

You can search the internet to find these apps. Once you have found an app that you like, you can look for and choose "First Choice Next" in the app to sign up. If you want to stop sharing your data with the app, you must do so through the First Choice Next Member Portal.

Health information shared with an app would include information that First Choice Next has received about you since January 1, 2023. This includes information about:

  • Payment requests from health care providers who treated you
  • Your visits with health care providers
  • Your medical tests
  • Clinical data received by First Choice Next while giving case management, care coordination, or other care

The information First Choice Next would not share with an app may include information about any diagnosis or care you got for:

  • Substance use disorders
  • Mental health conditions
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Other sensitive medical conditions

IMPORTANT: The app(s) that you choose will be able to see and use First Choice Next’s health information about you. These apps do not need to protect your health information like First Choice Next does. They do not need to follow HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or other health privacy laws.

These app companies only need to follow the privacy policies that they post in their apps and in app stores. These privacy policies should say how these companies will use and share your health data. Before you ask us to send your health data to an app, carefully read the privacy policy for the app and make sure you understand it. You make this request to First Choice Next to share your health information with the app at your own risk.

Things to think about when choosing an app

  • Does the app (and its spot in the app store) link to a privacy policy? If not, we strongly suggest that you do not use the app.
  • Will this app sell or share my data? If so, with what other companies? Why (for ads or research)?
  • How will this app use my data? For what purpose?
  • Will the app let me limit how it uses, sells, or shares my data?
  • If I no longer want this app to use my data, what do I need to do?
  • If I want the company that runs the app to delete all of my data, what do I need to do?
  • How will this app let me know of changes in its privacy practices?
  • Will the app save non-health data from my device, such as my location?
  • What does the company that runs the app do to keep my data safe in the app?
  • What impact could sharing my data with this app have on others, such as my family?
  • Will I be able to change any wrong data in the app? (Fixing data in the app will not fix it in First Choice Next’s systems. You would need to contact First Choice Next to make those changes.)
  • If I have a problem with the app or want to complain to the app company about it, how do I do that?

If you are not happy with how the app's privacy policy answers these questions, First Choice Next strongly suggests that you do not use the app. Your health information may be sensitive. Make sure the app has a clear privacy policy that shows that the app company takes the privacy and security of your data seriously.

Learn more about app privacy and security

HIPAA is a law that helps protect your health information. Some groups must follow HIPAA rules. These groups include health plans, doctors, hospitals, and companies that help send health information. First Choice Next must follow HIPAA rules.

Find out more about your rights under HIPAA. 

Learn more about how to file a complaint with the OCR.

Most apps you use to see your health information from First Choice Next are not covered by HIPAA. This means they do not have to follow HIPAA privacy and security rules. These apps must follow their own privacy policies.

The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, helps watch over many third-party apps. These can include health apps, fitness trackers, wellness apps, and connected devices. These apps may collect health information, but they are not run by a HIPAA-covered health plan, doctor, hospital, or clearinghouse.

The FTC checks to see if apps are being honest with you. For example, if an app says it will keep your health information private, the app must do what it says. If it does not, the FTC may take action.

The FTC also helps protect you from unfair or dishonest business practices. This can include apps that give confusing privacy notices, share your health information without permission, do not protect your information, or do not tell you how your information is used.

The FTC also has a rule for some health apps that are not covered by HIPAA. If your private health information is shared or seen by someone who should not have it, the app may have to tell you, the FTC, and sometimes the public.

You can file a complaint with the FTC if you think a third-party app has not protected your health information or has not been honest about how it uses your information. To file a complaint, go to https://ReportFraud.ftc.gov and click “Report Now.”

You can also file a complaint with First Choice Next by calling Member Services at 1-833-983-7272 (TTY 711).