Our office is dedicated to protect the privacy rights of our patients and the confidential information entrusted to us. The commitment of each employee to ensure that your health information is never compromised is a principal concept of our practice. We may, from time to time, amend our privacy policies and practices but will always inform you of any changes that might affect 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 and the state of Colorado. This includes issues relating to your treatment, payment, and our dental care operations. Your personal health information will never be otherwise given to anyone, even family members, without your written consent. You, of course, may give 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 make certain that the confidentiality of your records is always protected. Our privacy policy and practices apply to all former, current, and future patients, so you can be confident that your protected health information will never be improperly disclosed or released.
Collecting Protected Health Information
We will only request personal information needed to provide our standard of quality dental care, implement payment activities, conduct normal dental practice operations, and comply with the law. This may include your name, address, telephone number(s). Social Security Number, employment data, medical history, health records, etc. While most of the information will be collected from you, we may obtain information from third parties if it is deemed 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. We are obligated to provide information to law enforcement and governmental officials under certain circumstances. We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your written consent.
We may use and/or disclose your health information to communicate reminders about your appointments including voicemail messages, answering machines and postcards.
Patient Rights
You have a right to request copies of your healthcare information; to request copies in a variety of formats; and to request a list of instances in which we, or our business associates, have disclosed your protected information for uses other than stated above. All such requests must be in writing. We may charge for your copies in an amount allowed by law. If you believe your rights have been violated, we urge you to notify us immediately. You can also notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Office Policy
Treatment
We will make every effort to provide for your oral health needs as thoroughly and efficiently as possible. Good oral health reduces the risk of tooth and gum disease which can lead to loss of teeth. Your initial appointment involves a thorough examination. We will then discuss the conditions present and recommend proper treatment. If more than one method of treatment warrants consideration, each will be discussed.
Appointments
When an appointment is made, time, staff and equipment are reserved for your dental treatment. We request at least a 24 hour notice of cancellation. Consideration will be given to emergency situations but we feel it is very important to have mutual consideration for each other's time.
Financial
We will provide you with a financial estimate of charges and your estimated personal obligation upon request. We ask that you pay for your estimated portioin at the time treatment is provided. We accept all major credit cards. We will file your dental insurance claims for you. However, we consider the patient to be responsible for all incurred charges. A balance not covered by insurance for any reason will be billed to you. We ask that you notify us of any changes in insurance coverage and provide the necessary information to file claims. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier to determine annual deductibles, maximum yearly benefits and restrictions which may apply. If your insurance carrier has not paid within 60 days of claim submission, we request that you contact your insurance carrier to resolve the problem.
Thank You
We appreciate your selection of our office for your dental treatment. We are committed to maintaining our program of quality dental care while operating as efficiently as possible and look forward to serving your needs. Please let us know if you have any questions concerning your privacy rights and the protection of your personal health information.