DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: November 14, 2024
This Notice Describes How Medical Information About You May Be Used and Disclosed and How You Can Access This Information. Please Review It Carefully.
I. Dental Practice Covered by this Notice
This Notice describes the privacy practices of DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry (“we,” “our”). “You” and “your” refer to our patient.
II. Contact Information
For questions or further information about this Notice, please contact our Privacy Official:
Email: info@dimichfamilydentistry.com
III. Our Commitment and Legal Obligations
The privacy of your health information is crucial to us. This Notice outlines how we may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and other legally permitted purposes. It also highlights your rights to control and access your PHI.
By law, we must:
- Maintain the confidentiality of your PHI.
- Provide you with this Notice detailing our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Abide by the terms of our Notice currently in effect.
IV. How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information
A. Common Uses and Disclosures
- Treatment: We may use/disclose your PHI to provide and coordinate your care with healthcare professionals.
- Payment: Your PHI may be used/disclosed for billing and payment collection from insurers or other payors.
- Healthcare Operations: We may use/disclose PHI to support our practice operations, including training, performance evaluation, and quality assurance.
- Appointment Reminders: Contact methods may include postcards, phone calls, texts, or emails.
- Treatment Alternatives and Services: PHI may be used to inform you about relevant health-related options and services.
- Family and Friends: With your permission or if deemed in your best interest, PHI may be disclosed to those involved in your care.
- Business Associates: We may share PHI with contracted third-party service providers (e.g., practice management software providers). All business associates are contractually obligated to maintain PHI privacy.
B. Less Common Uses and Disclosures
- Required by Law: Disclosures as mandated by law, e.g., to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Public Health Activities: Reporting for disease prevention, product recalls, etc.
- Victims of Abuse: Disclosures to relevant authorities for suspected abuse or neglect cases.
- Health Oversight Activities: Disclosures to government oversight agencies as necessary.
- Legal Actions: Disclosures for legal proceedings per court orders or lawful requests.
- Law Enforcement: PHI may be disclosed to law enforcement for specific purposes.
- Medical Examiners/Funeral Directors: PHI disclosures to carry out duties.
- Organ Donation: Disclosures to facilitate organ, eye, and tissue donation.
- Research: PHI may be used for research per authorization waivers.
- Threats to Health/Safety: Disclosures if necessary to prevent harm.
- Government Functions: PHI disclosures related to military, national security, or inmate requirements.
- Workers’ Compensation: Disclosures as required by law for work-related injuries/illnesses.
V. Written Authorizations
Uses/disclosures not covered by this Notice (e.g., marketing, sale of PHI) require your written authorization, which can be revoked at any time in writing, except as required by law.
VI. Your Rights
- Access and Review: Request to view/copy PHI.
- Amendment Requests: Correct inaccurate/incomplete PHI.
- Restriction Requests: Request limits on PHI use/disclosure.
- Confidential Communications: Request alternative contact methods.
- Accounting of Disclosures: Request a record of disclosures (limitations apply).
- Paper Copy of Notice: Available upon request.
- Notification of Security Breach: Notification if your PHI is breached.
- Special Protections: HIV, genetic, mental health, and other sensitive information receive added privacy protections.
VII. Changes to this Notice
We may amend this Notice at any time. Revisions apply to all PHI we maintain. The latest Notice will be posted on our website and available in-office.
VIII. Complaints
To file privacy complaints, contact our Privacy Official. Alternatively, you may file complaints with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services without retaliation.
This Notice was last revised on November 14, 2024.
Visit DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry’s Website for additional details and updates.
