Notice of Privacy Practices

At our office we reasonably safeguard protected health information from any intentional or unintentional use or disclosure that violates the privacy law.

Patient’s charts, x-rays insurance information, etc. are stored in areas well away from patient access and flow. Any material that is outdated and requires destruction is destroyed in a manner (i.e. shredding) so that no information is retained or further obtainable or legible. If this practice is sold, your information will become the property of the new owner.

By law, we are permitted to use or disclose your health information to those involved in your treatment such as another specialist reviewing your file. In an emergency, we may disclose your health information to a family member or another person responsible for your care. If required by law, we may release some or all of your health information.

Except as described above, this practice will not use or disclose your health information without your prior written authorization. You may request in writing that we not use or disclose your health information as described above. We will attempt to fulfill your request.

We may use or disclose your health information for payment for your services. For example, if you have insurance coverage and our office submits claims for you, your insurance company will be given access to the appropriate information in regards to your dental claim and payment. This may include x-rays, medical information, dental information, personal information etc.
Operatory rooms are angled in such way that privacy is preserved. Sign in sheets must not display the reason the patient has an appointment.

During telephone conversations, discussions regarding dental care are limited to the patient to whom the procedure was performed or parent or guardian in case the patient is a minor. We may use your information to contact you. Please be advised that phone messages will be left on answering machines, but also that messages left concerning upcoming appointments are brief and only state the necessary information to confirm/ remind of an upcoming appointment. Please provide us with telephone numbers, which you are comfortable with us contacting and messaging. We may also provide you with appointment reminders such as postcards.

Patient charts are allowed access by the entire staff to ensure proper provision of treatment; this includes the front desk staff, which requires access as necessary to obtain payment. Staff members who violate the privacy policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions.

Privacy is a very important matter to our office if at any time you would like more privacy or feel that your rights have been violated please inform our staff so that measures can be taken to your satisfactions.

You have the right to transfer copies of your health information to another practice. We will mail your files for you. You have the right to see and receive a copy of your health information, with a few exceptions. Give us a written request regarding the information you want to see. If you also want a copy of your records, we may charge you a fee for the copies.