HIPAA Compliance Information

We greatly value our patients and the trust you place in us. We are fully committed to protecting your information and privacy by adhering to all HIPAA guidelines. Below is a detailed overview of how we ensure your confidentiality.

Alpha Dental Excellence in Langhorne

Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED BY ALPHA DENTAL EXCELLENCE AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

YOUR RIGHTS: When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This section explains those rights.

Upon written request:

  • Request a copy of your health record: You can ask to see or receive an electronic or paper copy of your health records or any other information we have about you. If you request a summary of your health information, we will provide it as well. A reasonable, cost-based fee may apply. We will fulfill your request as soon as possible, but no later than 30 working days from the date of your request.

  • Request corrections to your health information: If you believe that any information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it. While we may decline your request, we will provide you with a written explanation within 60 days if we do.

  • Request alternative communication methods: You can ask us to contact you in a specific way, such as by phone at home or at work, or to send mail to a different address. We will accommodate all reasonable requests.

  • Request restrictions on how we use or share your information: You can ask us not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. While we may deny your request, we will inform you in writing if that occurs. If your request affects your care, we may also decline it.

  • Request restriction on sharing information for services you pay out-of-pocket: If you pay for a service or health care item entirely out of pocket, you can ask us not to share that information with your health insurer. We will honor this request unless we are legally required to share the information.

  • Request an accounting of disclosures: You may ask for a list of instances where we have shared your health information for reasons other than treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or when you have explicitly requested us to share it. We will provide a list of disclosures for the past six years. One request per year will be free of charge, but subsequent requests may be subject to a reasonable, cost-based fee.

  • Revoke your authorization: You have the right to revoke any authorization for the use or disclosure of your protected health information (PHI) at any time, except where actions have already been taken based on your previous authorization.

You may also:

  • Choose someone to act on your behalf: If you have appointed someone with medical power of attorney or if they are your legal guardian, that person may exercise your rights and make decisions regarding your health information. We will require proof of this relationship before taking any action.

  • Request a paper copy of this notice: Even if you have agreed to receive this notice electronically, you can still request a paper copy. We will provide a copy to you promptly.

  • File a complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with our designated Privacy Officer at [Practice Officer, address, phone number, and email address].

  • File a complaint with the US Department of Health and Human Services: You may also file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Ave, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints.

  • Non-retaliation policy: We will not retaliate or take any adverse action against you for filing a complaint.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information: We are committed to ensuring the confidentiality and safety of your health information.

  • Notify you of any breaches: If a breach occurs that may affect the privacy or security of your information, we will notify you promptly.

  • Adhere to duties and privacy practices: We will follow the duties and privacy practices outlined in this notice and provide you with a copy of it.

  • Limit use and sharing of your information: We will not use or share your information beyond what is described in this notice, unless we receive your written consent. If you provide consent and later change your mind, simply notify us in writing, and we will respect your decision.

Your Choices

For certain types of health information, you have the right to make decisions about what we share and with whom. If you have clear preferences regarding how we share your information in the situations described below, please let us know.

In these situations, you have the option to tell us to:

  • Share information with your family, close friends, or others involved in your care.
  • Share information in the event of a disaster relief situation.

If you are unable to communicate your preferences, such as when you are unconscious, we may still share your information if we believe it is in your best interest. Additionally, we may share your information when necessary to prevent or reduce a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

In the following cases, we will never share your information without your written permission:

  • For marketing purposes.
  • For the sale of your information.
  • For most sharing of psychotherapy notes.
  • In the case of fundraising, we may contact you for fundraising efforts, but you have the right to request that we no longer contact you.