Privacy Policy

At Trust Care Dental Clinic, your privacy is essential to us. We are committed to safeguarding your personal health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your health information and outlines your rights regarding your PHI under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

Please read this policy carefully. By visiting our website or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this policy.

Our Legal Obligation

Under federal and state laws, we must protect your personal health information. We must also notify you about how your information may be used or disclosed and how you can access it. We must follow the privacy practices outlined in this notice, effective from the date provided above, and will remain in effect until it is replaced.

We reserve the right to change this privacy policy anytime, as the law permits. If we make changes, we will update this notice and apply the new privacy practices to all of the PHI we hold, including information obtained before the changes. You can always request a copy of this notice, and we will provide it.

How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We use and disclose your health information for a variety of purposes. Below are examples of how your information may be used or shared:

Treatment

We use and share your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care. This may include sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as specialists or labs. For instance, if your dentist refers you to a specialist, we may need to share your dental records with that specialist to ensure they have the necessary information to treat you.

Payment

We use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services we provide. This may include sharing your information with insurance companies, health plans, or other third-party processing claims and expenses. For example, we may need to disclose information about your treatments to your insurance provider to receive approval for a procedure.

Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your information for administrative purposes related to running our practice. This can include quality assessments, training staff, licensing, and other operational activities. We may also share your information with business associates who assist with billing, record-keeping, or other operational needs, ensuring they comply with privacy standards.

Appointment Reminders and Communication

We may use your information to remind you about appointments or to inform you about treatments or services that could benefit your dental health. You may receive communication from us via phone, email, or mail.

Business Associates

We may disclose your protected health information to third parties who perform certain services for us (e.g., billing services, transcription, or email reminders). These third parties are required to protect the confidentiality of your information by contract.

Treatment Alternatives and Health-Related Benefits

We may use your information to provide you with information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you. For instance, you may receive information about new services offered by our practice or health-related products.

Written Authorization

In most cases, we will ask for your written authorization before we disclose your health information for any purpose other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You may revoke your consent at any time in writing, and we will comply with your request, except where we have already used or disclosed your information.

Disclosure of Information to Others Involved in Your Care

We may disclose your information to a family member, friend, or other individuals you identify as being involved in your care unless you object. If you are unable to agree or object (for example, if you are incapacitated), we may disclose your information if we believe it is in your best interest.

We may also use or disclose your health information to notify a family member or someone responsible for your care about your condition or death.

Marketing

We may use your health information to contact you with information about products or services related to your health or treatment. For example, we may send you reminders about check-ups or information on new dental treatments that could benefit you.

However, we will not disclose your personal information for marketing purposes without your consent, except for general communication like newsletters or appointment reminders.

Research, Death, and  Donation

We may disclose your information for research purposes under certain conditions, and we will ensure that any research meets the necessary privacy protections. We may also disclose information about a deceased person to a coroner, medical examiner, or donation organization for purposes related to investigation or organ donation.

Public Health and Safety

We may disclose your health information to public health authorities as required by law or to prevent a serious and imminent threat to your health or safety or the health or safety of others. We may also report your health information to the authorities in cases of disease control, surveillance, or investigations.

Health Oversight Activities

We may disclose your health information to government agencies responsible for overseeing healthcare systems and programs for audits, inspections, or investigations.

Abuse or Neglect

If we believe you may be the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, we may disclose your information to the appropriate authorities as required by law.

Law Enforcement and Legal Requirements

We may disclose your health information if required by law or legal process. This includes responding to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes. We may also disclose information to law enforcement agencies if necessary to identify or apprehend a suspect if it is related to a crime or to protect public safety.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

As a patient, you have several rights regarding your health information. These include:

• Right to Access Your Information

You have the right to review or obtain copies of your health information, with limited exceptions. You must submit a written request to access your health records. There may be a fee for copying or mailing the information.

• Right to Request Restrictions

You can request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information. While we are not required to agree to your request, we will consider it and notify you of our decision in writing.

• Right to Confidential Communication

You can request that we communicate with you about your health information in a confidential manner, such as at a different address or via a different phone number.

• Right to Amend Your Information

You have the right to request changes or amendments to your health records if you believe the information is incorrect or incomplete. If we deny your request, we will provide a written explanation.

• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You can request a list of disclosures we’ve made of your health information, except for those made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or certain other exceptions. The list will include the date of disclosure, who received the information, and the purpose of the disclosure.

• Right to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by posting the revised policy on our website and providing a copy upon request.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us:

Contact Person: [Dr. Hargis Sam E DDS]

Phone Number: [19566861682]

Address: [820 W Nolana Ave, McAllen, TX 78504, United States]

Email Address: [info@trustcaredental.com]

Thank you for trusting us with your dental care and health information. We are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.