Privacy Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) is a federal law that requires all medical records and other individually identifiable health information—whether electronic, paper, or oral—to be kept confidential and secure.
This Notice explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. It also describes your rights regarding your protected health information.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We understand that your health information is personal. We are committed to protecting it.
We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI)
- Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect
Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any information that can identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition and related healthcare services.
How We May Use or Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or disclose your health information for the following purposes:
Payment
We may use your health information to obtain payment from insurance companies or health plans for services provided.
Health Care Operations
We may use your information for:
- Quality assessment and improvement
- Staff training and evaluation
- Financial or billing audits
- Legal and administrative purposes
- Business planning and development
Public Health Activities
We may disclose information to:
- Report adverse reactions or product issues
- Report disease or infection exposure
- Help prevent or control disease, injury, or disability
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, including:
- Court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- Law enforcement requests
- National security or intelligence activities
- Situations involving inmates or custody
Abuse or Neglect
We may disclose information to authorities if we believe a patient may be a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
Serious Threats
We may disclose information if necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
Emergencies
We may share information with family members or caregivers involved in your care during emergencies.
Appointment Reminders
We may contact you via:
- Phone calls
- Text messages
- Emails
- Letters or postcards
- Voicemails
Your Authorization
Any other use or disclosure of your health information requires your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the following rights:
Right to Access and Review
You may request a copy of your health records. Fees may apply for copying or electronic formats.
Right to Amend
You may request corrections if you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete.
Right to Restrict Use
You may request restrictions on how your information is used or shared. We are not required to agree in all cases, except when you pay in full out-of-pocket and request no insurance billing.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures of your health information for the past six (6) years, excluding treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Right to Receive Confidential Communications
You may request that we contact you in a specific way or at a specific location.
Breach Notification
If a breach of your health information occurs, we will notify you as required by law and take appropriate corrective action.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice. Any updated version will apply to all protected health information we maintain. A current copy will always be available upon request.
Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you agreed to receive it electronically.
Questions or Complaints
If you have questions or concerns about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact us:
Privacy Officer: Dr. Hadi Haidar, Owner
Phone: 781-255-1055
Fax: 781-255-0551
Address:
Advanced Dental Centers
125 Central Street
Norwood, MA 02062
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.