Notice of Privacy Practices
Personally Identifiable Information
Dental Care Seattle’s Privacy Policy is to allow our users to anonymously access the information on Dental Care Seattle’s properties. Dental Care Seattle does not collect, sell, or provide any personally identifiable information regarding you or other users, unless you voluntarily provide that information to us for that purpose.
Privacy of Your Health Information
This section describes how protected health information about you may be used and disclosed by our dental practice and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
Our Legal Duties
We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information. We are required to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices and to follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice. We reserve the right to change the terms of this notice, and any changes will apply to all protected health information we maintain. A current copy of this notice will be available in our office and on our website, if applicable.
Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information
We may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without your authorization.
Treatment includes providing, coordinating, or managing your dental care and related services. This may include sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Payment includes activities needed to obtain payment for dental services, such as billing insurance companies, verifying coverage, and collections.
Healthcare operations include activities necessary to operate our practice, such as quality assessment, staff training, licensing, accreditation, and administrative activities.
We may also use or disclose your protected health information as required or permitted by law.
Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your protected health information for purposes not described in this notice. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent action has already been taken based on your authorization.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your dental records, including electronic copies where applicable, subject to certain limited exceptions permitted by law.
You have the right to request an amendment to your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information. While we are not required to agree to all requests, we must agree to restrict disclosure to a health plan for services you paid for in full out of pocket, if requested.
You have the right to request confidential communications.
You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information.
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.
Breach Notification
We are required by law to notify you following a breach of unsecured protected health information involving your information.
Special Protections for Substance Use Disorder Records
Certain health information related to substance use disorder diagnosis, treatment, or referral for treatment may be protected by federal law under 42 CFR Part 2 and is subject to additional privacy protections beyond those required by HIPAA.
While our dental practice does not provide substance use disorder treatment, we may receive substance use disorder related records from other healthcare providers as part of coordinating your care.
When permitted by law, substance use disorder records may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Substance use disorder records may not be used or disclosed in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings against you without your written consent or a valid court order.
Substance use disorder information may not be redisclosed unless permitted by federal law.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Security
Dental Care Seattle places the utmost importance on protecting information transmitted via this web site and will take security precautions to protect all such information. However, Dental Care Seattle cannot guarantee that any electronic communication is totally secure. Dental Care Seattle will take measures to secure and protect all customer-specific information from loss, misuse, and alteration.
Updates to Terms
Dental Care Seattle reserves the right to modify or amend its Privacy Policy at any time, and from time to time. Any changes to the policy will be posted on this site.
Governing Law
These policies shall be construed, interpreted and performed exclusively according to the, excluding conflict of law rules, of the State of Washington, United States of America. Any legal action with respect to any transaction must be commenced within one year after the cause of action has arisen.
Links
This site contains links to other sites. Dental Care Seattle is not responsible for the privacy practices or policies of other sites that are linked to us. The inclusion of any link to other sites does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Dental Care Seattle of these sites. Dental Care Seattle does not warrant the accuracy of information obtained from these web sites.
Questions
Should you have any questions of concerns regarding Dental Care Seattle’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, please contact us at [email protected]