Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

The Mairs Advantage plan is designed to help provide dental care to people without dental insurance coverage.  Unfortunately, too often people neglect their teeth because they don’t have dental insurance and they can’t afford dental services.  Our Dental Membership is designed to make it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy oral environment. 

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We understand that your health information is personal. Our team is committed to keeping your protected health information (“PHI”) secure and confidential while providing high-quality dental care.
We are required by law to:

Maintain the privacy and security of your health information

Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

Follow the terms currently in effect within this Notice

Notify you if a breach occurs that may compromise your information

How We May Use and Share Your Information

The following sections explain the most common ways we may use or disclose your protected health
information.

For Treatment

We may use your information to provide dental care and coordinate treatment. This may include sharing information with specialists, dental laboratories, pharmacies, or other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Examples include:

Reviewing dental X-rays

Coordinating treatment plans

Sending information to a specialist for referrals

For Payment

We may use or disclose your information to process payments and insurance claims for services you receive.
Examples include:

Verifying insurance benefits

Submitting claims to dental insurance providers

Collecting payment for services rendered

For Healthcare Operations

Your information may be used for routine practice operations that help us provide quality care and efficiently manage our office.
These activities may include:

Quality improvement reviews

Staff training and education

Licensing and accreditation requirements

Administrative and business management activities

Appointment Reminders and Communication

We may contact you regarding:

Upcoming appointments

Follow-up care

Treatment recommendations

Office updates or important health-related information

Communication may occur by phone, voicemail, text message, email, or mail unless you request otherwise.

Individuals Involved in Your Care

With your permission, or when appropriate under applicable law, we may share relevant information with family members, caregivers, or individuals involved in your care or payment arrangements.

Uses Required by Law

We may disclose your information when required by federal, state, or local law, including situations involving:

Public health reporting

Law enforcement requests

Court orders or legal proceedings

Law enforcement requests

Court orders or legal proceedings

Government audits or investigations

Health and safety concerns

Business Associates

We may work with trusted third-party companies that assist in operating our practice, such as billing providers, technology companies, or administrative services. These partners are legally required to safeguard your information.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have important rights concerning your protected health information.

Right to Access Your Records

You may request access to or copies of your dental and billing records, subject to certain legal limitations.

Right to Request Corrections

If you believe information in your records is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment or correction.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may ask us to limit certain uses or disclosures of your information. While we are not always required to agree, we will carefully consider your request.

Right to Confidential Communication

You may request that we contact you in a specific way or at a certain location for privacy purposes.

Calling only your mobile phone

Sending mail to a different address

Avoiding voicemail messages

Right to Confidential Communication

You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information as permitted by law.

Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to update or modify this Notice at any time. Any revised version will apply to all protected health information we maintain and will be available in our office and on our website.

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact our office directly.

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not affect your care or treatment in any way.