Notice of Privacy Practices

Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding the health information we maintain about you:

• Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information, such as dental and billing records, with limited exceptions.
• Right to Amend: If you believe the health information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
• Right to Confidential Communications: You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location.
• Right to a Paper Copy: You have the right to receive a paper copy of this notice at any time.

How We May Use Your Health Information

We may use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your dental care and related services.
• Payment: To bill and collect payment for services rendered, including processing insurance claims.
• Healthcare Operations: To run our practice, improve quality of care, and conduct administrative activities.
• Appointment Reminders: To remind you of scheduled appointments by phone, text, or email.
• Treatment Alternatives: To inform you about treatment options or services that may be of interest to you.

Uses Requiring Your Authorization

Most uses and disclosures of your health information for marketing purposes, as well as disclosures that constitute the sale of your health information, require your written authorization. Additionally, psychotherapy notes (if applicable) and certain other sensitive information require specific authorization. You may revoke any authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent we have already relied upon it.

Disclosures Without Your Authorization

We may disclose your health information without your authorization in the following limited circumstances as permitted or required by law:

• When required by law (e.g., court orders, subpoenas)
• For public health activities (e.g., disease reporting)
• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• For health oversight activities (e.g., audits, investigations)
• To avert a serious threat to health or safety
• For workers' compensation purposes
• To coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors as required

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information
• Notify you following a breach of unsecured protected health information
• Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
• Abide by the terms of this notice currently in effect
• Notify you if we make material changes to this notice

Data Security Measures

We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your health information. These include secure electronic health record systems, encrypted communications where feasible, restricted access to patient records, and employee training on privacy and security practices. Our staff is trained to handle all patient information with the utmost confidentiality.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Us

For more information about this notice or our privacy practices, please contact our office: