HONcode certificate: respect of the 8 HONcode principles by the health website

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Certificate of compliance with the Code of Conduct HONcode

The health Website
Optima Health
is in compliance with the HONcode

Title of the site: Optima Health
Web address: http://www.optimahealth.com/
HONcode PIN number : HONConduct158166
Date of initial review: 27 Apr 2005
Validity of certificate 09 May 2012 - May 2014
Date of last visit 16 May 2012

This certificate confirms the revision of the site by the HONcode Team at the above date.
It respects and pledges to honor the 8 principles of the HON Code of Conduct (HONcode).

* 1. Authoritative 2. Complementarity 3. Privacy 4. Attribution 5. Justifiability 6. Transparency
7. Financial disclosure 8. Advertising policy

Speed access of ethical health information online is critical.

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Do you think the site is not respecting the HONcode?

The Health on the Net (HON) certificate serves as a guarantee that this website, at the date of its certification, complies with and pledges to honor the 8 principles of the HON Code of Conduct as drawn up by the HON foundation.

The responsible of the certified site commits to keep the site in compliance with the HON code principles for the duration of the certification.

Although measures such as a complaint mechanism, the periodical review and the automatic surveillance mechanisms are put in place to guarantee the compliance of the certified website with the ethical principles of HON as much as possible, incidental inaccuracies cannot be completely excluded. In no event the HON foundation and/or its partner(s) can be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use HON certified websites nor can the HON foundation and/or its partner(s) be held liable for the content of these certified websites, including, but not limited to the information of third-parties or hyperlinks accessible via HON certified websites.

The certified website is responsible for the content of its website, unless otherwise provided by law.

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You will find below the elements identified by the HONcode team at a precise date to justify the respect of the 8 ethical principles.

The content of this certificate has been collected and written by the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and should not be used without previous permission granted by HON. A request for permission can be sent to: HON.

1. Information must be authoritative

To ensure that content is accurate, original health information on the site is written and/or reviewed by Optimahealth.com's Medical Editorial Panel. This panel is comprised of physicians and clinicians who have clinical experience and expertise in key medical specialties. The panel includes:

George Kelly Heuser, M.D.
Senior Medical Director, Optima Health

Terrina Thomas, M.S.
Director, Community Health and Prevention, Sentara Healthcare

Joan Sechrist, M.S., R.D.
Community Health and Prevention, Sentara Healthcare

Publish... (01 Nov 2011) -

2. Presentation of the site
Mission:

Optima Health’s Web site has been designed to provide you with fast, easy access to health plan information and transactions as well as general health information that may be beneficial to you. Optima Health provides this online information as a community service.
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Audience:

Information for >
Members
Employers
Providers
Brokers
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Purpose of the website

The information contained in this site is presented as an educational resource and should not take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal physician. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, please visit and seek the advice of a health care professional.
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3. Confidentiality

Privacy Statement

The continued privacy and confidentiality of your information is important to us. The intent of this privacy statement is to clarify our efforts and activities as they relate to Internet privacy. Changes in this policy will be posted on this page so that you will know what information is being collected and how it is being used.

Review Sentara's Integrated Notice of Privacy Practices.
Collection of Information

Some features offered on optimahealth.com require you to register first. For initial member registration we request... (01 Nov 2011) -

4. Information must be documented: Referenced and dated

Last Updated 8/2/2011 4:27 PM
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5. Justification of claims

This principle is not applicable for this site

6. User support and adequation

Member or Benefit Question?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Sign in to MyOptima (registered members only).
Complete a Contact Us Form.
Email:
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7. Disclosure of funding sources

Funding for the maintenance and management of Optima Health’s Web site is provided solely by Optima Health and its affiliates.
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8. Advertising policy

Optima Health does not allow external companies or constituents to advertise on its Web site.
(01 Nov 2011) -

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