PRIVACY POLICY / HIPAA

HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), is a set of standards created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that was signed into law on August 21, 1996. However, it didn’t become effective until April 14, 2003. The standards were created to streamline the flow of information in the health care system, and to protect confidential health information from inappropriate access, use, and disclosure. HIPAA regulations apply to any health care provider who engages in electronic transactions, or transmission of protected health care information.

How We May Use Your Health Information

Various facets of your protected health care information may be used for different purposes, including public health activities, disaster relief, and national security. Some aspects of your records may qualify for special protection under applicable federal law and we will adhere to those special protections. Reasons for disclosing your protected health care information may include:

  • For treatment or to secure payment
  • To improve health care operations, including training, licensing, fundraising, research, and quality assessment
  • To inform family or persons with the authority to make health care decision for you
  • As required by law or court order to the HHS, law enforcement agencies, or as required for worker’s compensation or other similar programs
  • To coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors

Your Rights Under HIPAA

Your rights and the privacy of your health care information are important to us. Some of your rights under HIPAA include:

  • The right to confidentiality regarding your health care information.
  • The right to access your protected health care information.
  • The rights to copy, amend, and restrict access to your protected health care information.
  • The right to receive an accounting of any disclosure of your health care information.
  • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about how your health care information has been used, disclosed, amended, or restricted.
  • The right to receive notification of any breaches of your unsecured health care information.
  • The right to request meetings to discuss health care information at alternative locations or through alternative means.
  • The right to an accounting of certain types of disclosures of your health care information.

The HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

As part of our compliance with HIPAA, we will provide you with a Notice of Privacy Practices and ask you to sign a form acknowledging your receipt of the notice. We are always happy to answer any of your questions about our privacy practices, and your rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Schedule a Visit Today

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen or Dr. Neumann, call our dental office in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.