Advanced Perio
STATEMENT OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Our office is dedicated to protecting the privacy rights of our patients and the confidential information entrusted to us. It is a requirement of this practice that every employee receives appropriate training and is dedicated to the principal concept that your health information shall never be compromised. We may, from time to time, amend our privacy policies and practices but will always inform you of any changes that might affect our obligations and your rights.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE INFORMATION
We use and disclose the information we collect from you only as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the state of Washington. This includes issues relating to your treatment, payment, and our health care operations. Your personal health information will never be otherwise given or disclosed to anyone—even family members—without your consent or written authorization. You may provide written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose, for any purpose.
Our offices and electronic systems are secure from unauthorized access, and our employees are trained to ensure that the confidentiality, integrity, and access to your records are always protected. Our privacy policy and practices apply to all former, current, and future patients, ensuring that your protected health information (PHI) will never be improperly disclosed or released.
COLLECTING PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)
We will only request personal information needed to provide quality health care, implement payment activities, conduct normal health practice operations, and comply with the law. This may include your name, address, telephone number(s), Social Security Number, employment data, medical history, and health records, etc. Most information will be collected directly from you, though we may obtain information from third parties if necessary. Regardless of the source, your personal information will always be protected to the full extent of the law.
DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
As stated above, we may disclose information as required by law, including to law enforcement and governmental officials under specific circumstances. We will not use your information for marketing or fundraising purposes without your written consent. We may use and/or disclose your health information to communicate reminders about your appointments, including text messaging, voicemail messages, answering machines, and postcards unless you direct us otherwise. We will never use, disclose, sell, or otherwise allow access to your personal, protected information in exchange for financial remuneration.
Any breach in the protection of your personal health information, including unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure, will be fully investigated and addressed in accordance with HIPAA Privacy Breach Notification rules.
MOBILE COMMUNICATION & TEXT MESSAGING POLICY
To ensure compliance with 10DLC regulations and protect your privacy, we have implemented the following policies related to mobile communication and text messaging:
- No mobile information or text messaging opt-in data will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
- We collect and store mobile information only for appointment reminders, treatment updates, and essential office communications.
- You may opt out of text messaging or other communications at any time by replying “STOP” to a message, updating your preferences with our office, or calling our administrative team.
YOUR RIGHTS AS OUR PATIENT
You have the right to:
- Request copies of your healthcare information.
- Request a list of instances in which we, or our business associates, have disclosed your protected information for uses other than those stated above.
- Opt out of receiving certain communications, including marketing messages or automated text messages.
- Request that we restrict the use of your health information.
- Request amendments or corrections to your medical records.
- File complaints if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. You may also notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
All such requests must be in writing. We may charge for your copies in an amount allowed by law.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any concerns about our privacy practices, wish to file a complaint, or would like to exercise any of your rights, please contact:
Advanced Perio
509 Olive Way #1524
Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: 206-223-1501
For additional information, you may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
