San Diego Smile CenterNotice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
Effective Date: 05/22/2026
At San Diego Smile Center, protecting your privacy is an important part of the care we provide. This Notice explains how your dental and health information may be used, how it may be shared, and the rights you have regarding your personal information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
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
- 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.
Examples include:
- Calling only your mobile phone
- Sending mail to a different address
- Avoiding voicemail messages
Right to Receive an Accounting of Disclosures
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.
Contact Information - San Diego Smile Center
Address: 10737 Camino Ruiz #120, San Diego, CA 92126, United States
Email:- info@sandiegosmilecenter.com
Website: www.sandiegosmilecenter.com
