110 Bills and Unnecessary Services Review any out-of-network medical bills, if any, and your Explanation of Benefit (EOBs) forms for in- network claims thoroughly to assure correct charges and payments. When deciding upon the methods for treatment, avoid requesting unnecessary services. For example, you may reduce your expenses by: • Avoiding weekend hospital admissions; • Getting a second surgical opinion; • Taking advantage of outpatient surgery; • Contacting the Fund’s Utilization Review Program; and • Using generic drugs, whenever available. By adhering to these suggestions, you may utilize your benefit to its fullest, while simultaneously cutting medical costs. Reliance on Coverage Advice If you contact CVS Caremark, Quantum Health, CareFirst Administrators or the Fund Office to determine if a particular service, procedure or medication is a covered expense, including eligibility and other advice, unless you receive written confirmation, the Plan is not necessarily responsible for these representations. If there is any question about eligibility for coverage of a specific service, procedure, or prescription drug, you should not rely on any verbal representation from Quantum Health, CareFirst Administrators, or the Fund Office, but request confirmation in writing to assure that there will be no misunderstandings. Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information The Plan maintains a “Privacy Notice” pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and regulations thereunder describing how your medical information may be used or disclosed, as well as how you may gain access to your medical information and your other rights regarding that information. The Plan’s Privacy Notice is reproduced here for your careful review: Privacy Notice Section 1: Purpose of This Notice and Effective Date This Notice Describes How Medical Information About You May Be Used and Disclosed and How You Can Get Access To This Information. Please Review It Carefully. Effective date. The effective date of this Notice is April 14, 2003. This Notice is required by law. The National IAM Benefit Trust Fund (the “Fund”) is required by law to take reasonable steps to ensure the privacy of your personally identifiable health information and to inform you about: • The Fund’s uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI), • Your rights to privacy with respect to your PHI, • The Fund’s duties with respect to your PHI,