Privacy Policy

Protecting Your Confidential Health Information is Important to Us

Notice of Privacy Practices

This notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully

Our Promise!

We want to assure you that we take your health privacy seriously. We strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect your confidential information. Your comfort and trust are paramount, and we never want concerns about privacy to prevent you from seeking the care you need. You have the right to access your medical records, and we're here to assist you. If you have any questions about our privacy practices, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office at 480-507-1807.

The digital transformation of healthcare has been a driving force behind the federal government's commitment to safeguarding your health information. As technology rapidly evolves, particularly in the electronic exchange of medical data, the government has taken necessary steps to standardize and strengthen privacy protections. This evolution has prompted us to thoroughly examine and reinforce our procedures, not only for electronic records but also for all forms of communication, including internet, phone, fax, and physical charts. We view this as a valuable opportunity to solidify our commitment to your privacy by documenting and implementing comprehensive policies that ensure the secure handling of your health information across all platforms.

To ensure your health information remains private, we've developed strict policies and procedures. We adhere to all state and federal confidentiality laws, and we want you to fully understand your rights as our valued patient. We're committed to protecting your information and only sharing it with those who require it for your care. We will use and share your health information only for essential purposes: providing your treatment, processing payments, and managing our healthcare operations. We will never use your information for any other reason without your explicit, written consent.

To Conduct Health Care Operations

To keep our care at its best, and to make sure we're always improving, we might use your health information in a few specific ways. For instance, we sometimes use de-identified cases to help train our team and students. This helps us learn and grow without sharing anything that could identify you personally. Also, from time to time, insurance companies or government agencies review our records to ensure we're following all the rules and providing top-notch care. Similarly, during the routine process of maintaining our certifications and licenses, some information may be reviewed. Rest assured; we always prioritize your privacy. We only share what's absolutely necessary and follow

In Patient Reminders

We're dedicated to your ongoing oral and general health. That's why we'll proactively remind you about scheduled appointments and when it's time to schedule your next visit. We also believe in keeping you informed about your care, so we may contact you to follow up or share information about relevant treatments and services for you and your family. These communications – whether by mail, phone, or email (unless you opt out) – are a key part of our approach to providing you with the best possible dental care.

Abuse or Neglect

To ensure patient safety, we are legally obligated to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence to the appropriate government authorities. We will only make such disclosures when ethically compelled, legally required or authorized, or with the patient's explicit consent.

Public Health and National Security

In certain situations, we may be legally required to share health information with federal or military authorities for investigations related to public health or national security. This may include instances where sharing information could help control or prevent epidemics, or contribute to understanding the effects of drug treatments or medical devices, ultimately benefiting public safety.

For Law Enforcement

Your privacy is important to us. We only share health information with law enforcement when legally required or permitted, such as when you've been a victim of a crime or to report a crime. We always follow strict legal guidelines

Family, Friends and Caregivers

We'll work with you to share your health information with the people you choose to support your care at home, like helping with daily tasks, treatment, medications, or bills. We'll always ask you before sharing anything. In an emergency, if you can't tell us your wishes, we'll use our best judgment to share only the information needed to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Authorization to Use or Disclose Health Information

Your privacy is important to us. We will not share your health information unless it's outlined in this notice, required by law, or you provide us with written authorization. You have the right to cancel your authorization in writing whenever you choose.

Patient Rights

This new law is careful to describe that you have the following rights related to your health information.

Restrictions

You can ask us to limit how we use or share your health information. We'll do our best to respect your reasonable requests.

Confidential Communications

We respect your need for privacy. You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a certain way, such as in private conversations or through sealed mail. We'll make every effort to honor your reasonable requests.

Inspect and Copy Your Health Information

You have the right to read, review, and copy your health information, including your complete chart, x-rays and billing records. If you would like a copy of your health information, please let us know.

Amend Your Health Information

If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask us to update it. We're happy to help, as long as we keep the information in our records. To make the process easier, please give us your request in writing and explain why you think a change is needed. We may not be able to make changes if the information wasn't created by our office, isn't in our records, or is already accurate and complete.

Documentation of Health Information

You can ask for a list of when and why we shared your health information for reasons other than your treatment, payment, or our office operations. We keep records of these disclosures from April 14, 2003, onward. To get this list, please send us a written request with the specific time period you're interested in. To help us manage these requests, we ask that you limit your request to no more than six years at a time. Please note that we may charge a reasonable fee for this service.

Request a Paper Copy of this Notice

You can easily get a copy of this Privacy Notice from our office whenever you need it. Just visit or call, and we'll send it to you by mail or email. We're dedicated to keeping your health information private and providing you with this Notice. We follow the policies in this Notice, which we may update occasionally. If we change our practices, we'll provide you with a revised Notice. If you feel your privacy rights have been compromised, you can file a complaint with us or the Secretary of Health and Human Services. We encourage you to share any privacy concerns you may have.