Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy outlines the services provided by our office and our legal obligations to protect your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your protected health information and to inform you of our legal duties and privacy practices. Protected health information includes any information about you (including demographic details) that can identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition and related health care services.
Our Policy describes how Viva Dental Cambridge may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, and health care operations. Other uses and disclosures will only occur with your written authorization, except where permitted or required by law. The Policy also details your rights to access and control your protected health information and informs you of your right to file a complaint with our office or with the Secretary of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
We are committed to adhering to the terms outlined in this Policy. We reserve the right to amend the Policy at any time, and the revised notice will be effective for all protected health information we maintain. You can request a copy of the updated Policy at any time by contacting our office. You can reach us by calling our Office Manager to request a mailed copy or by asking for one during your next appointment.
Please read this Policy carefully.
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
This Notice describes how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the Office Manager.
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of our patients’ health information and to provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices concerning protected health information. Protected health information includes any information about you that can identify you and relates to your physical or mental health and related health care services.
1. Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information
Your protected health information may be used by your doctor for treatment, payment, and health care operations without your authorization. It may be disclosed to other individuals involved in your care and treatment to provide health care services and pay your health care bills. The following examples illustrate the types of uses and disclosures that may occur:
- Treatment: Your information may be used and disclosed to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care and related services. This includes consultations between your doctor and other health care providers.
- Payment: Your information may be used to obtain payment for your health care services. This may involve sharing your information with your health insurance plan to determine eligibility, coverage, or for reviewing services provided.
- Operations: Your information may be used to support the business activities of your doctor’s practice, including quality assessment, employee review, and training.
We may use a sign-in sheet at the registration desk, call you by name in the waiting room, and use your information to contact you for appointment reminders. Any arrangements with business associates will include written contracts to protect the privacy of your information.
We may also use your information to provide you with information about health-related products or services.
Other uses and disclosures will require your written authorization unless permitted or required by law. You may revoke your authorization at any time, except to the extent that action has already been taken based on it.
2. Your Rights
- Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information. This includes your medical and billing records but excludes certain types of information.
- Request Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your information for treatment, payment, or operations. Your doctor is not required to agree, but if they do, the restriction will be honored unless needed for emergency treatment.
- Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you through alternative means or at alternative locations.
- Amendments: You may request an amendment to your health information. We reserve the right to deny this request under certain circumstances.
- Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of disclosures of your health information, excluding those made for treatment, payment, or operations, or those made to you or with your authorization.
3. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with our Office Manager. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. For more information about the complaint process, please contact the Office Manager.