Effective Date: October, 2024
Website: https://dentistspringfieldohio.com/
Introduction:
At Heritage Dental of Springfield, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ personal and protected health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, https://dentistspringfieldohio.com/, or interact with our dental practice.
Scope:
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Website Visitors: Individuals who visit our website, regardless of whether they submit personal information.
- Patients: Individuals who receive or have received dental care services from Heritage Dental of Springfield.
Information We Collect:
- Personal Information (Non-PHI):
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring website (if applicable)
- Protected Health Information (PHI):
- Collected through our website’s secure online forms, phone, mail, or in-person interactions:
- Medical and dental history
- Treatment plans and progress
- Billing and insurance information
- Collected through our website’s secure online forms, phone, mail, or in-person interactions:
How We Collect Information:
- Website Interactions:
- Cookies
- Online forms (e.g., appointment request, contact form)
- Website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Patient Interactions:
- In-person consultations and treatments
- Phone and email communications
- Digital registration forms
Use and Disclosure of Information:
- Personal Information (Non-PHI):
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Improve website user experience and performance
- Send newsletters and promotional materials (if opted-in)
- Protected Health Information (PHI):
- Provide and coordinate dental care services
- Communicate with patients, insurance providers, and other authorized parties
- Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards
Disclosure to Third Parties:
We may disclose your information to:
- Authorized Dental Staff: For treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
- Insurance Providers: For billing and reimbursement purposes.
- Laboratories and Specialists: As necessary for your care.
- Compliant Third-Party Service Providers: For website maintenance, marketing, or other business operations.
Security Measures:
- Website Security:
- SSL/TLS encryption
- Regular software updates and security patches
- PHI Protection:
- HIPAA-compliant storage and transmission protocols
- Access controls, including secure passwords and two-factor authentication
Cookie Policy:
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience. These cookies do not collect PHI. By using our website, you consent to our cookie policy.
- Essential Cookies: Enable website functionality and security.
- Analytical Cookies: Help us understand website usage and improve performance.
Opt-Out and Cookie Management:
- Browser Settings: Manage cookies through your browser’s settings.
- Opt-Out Tools: Utilize tools like Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Patient Rights:
- Access: Request a copy of your PHI.
- Amendment: Request corrections to your PHI.
- Restrictions: Limit how we use or disclose your PHI.
- Accounting: Receive a list of PHI disclosures.
- Confidential Communications: Request alternative communication methods.
Contact Us:
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your patient rights, please use our contact form.
Changes to This Privacy Policy:
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy. Changes will be effective upon posting on our website. Please review this policy periodically for updates.
Acknowledgement:
By using our website or receiving dental care services from Heritage Dental of Springfield, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Google Compliance:
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Google’s policies and guidelines for healthcare and medical websites, including:
- Google Analytics Data Retention: We have set the data retention period to 26 months, after which data is automatically deleted.
- Google Ads (if applicable): We comply with Google’s healthcare and medical advertising policies.
HIPAA Compliance:
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, as amended.