Privacy & Security

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 2024

1. Introduction

Dr. Zehra's Mobile Dental Sleep Medicine ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws.

By using our services or website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

  • Name, address, phone number, email address
  • Date of birth and age
  • Emergency contact information
  • Insurance information
  • Payment and billing information

Protected Health Information (PHI)

  • Medical and dental history
  • Sleep disorder symptoms and diagnoses
  • Treatment plans and clinical notes
  • Prescription and medication information
  • Laboratory and sleep study results
  • Dental impressions and oral appliance specifications

Website Usage Information

  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages visited and time spent on our website
  • Referring website addresses
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your dental sleep medicine care
  • Payment: To process billing, submit insurance claims, and collect payment
  • Healthcare Operations: To improve our services, train staff, and maintain quality care
  • Appointment Reminders: To send appointment confirmations and reminders
  • Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide information about our services
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

  • Healthcare Providers: Sleep physicians, referring doctors, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care
  • Insurance Companies: To process claims and verify coverage
  • Dental Laboratories: To fabricate custom oral appliances
  • Business Associates: Service providers who assist with our operations (billing, IT services, etc.)
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect health and safety

All sharing of information is done in compliance with HIPAA regulations and only to the extent necessary for the specified purpose.

5. Your Privacy Rights

Under HIPAA and other privacy laws, you have the following rights:

  • Right to Access: Request copies of your medical records
  • Right to Amend: Request corrections to your health information
  • Right to Restrict: Request limitations on how we use or disclose your information
  • Right to Confidential Communications: Request alternative methods of communication
  • Right to an Accounting: Request a list of certain disclosures we have made
  • Right to a Copy of This Notice: Request a paper or electronic copy of this privacy policy

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information:

  • Encrypted electronic health records systems
  • Secure, password-protected devices and networks
  • Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
  • Regular staff training on privacy and security
  • Secure disposal of physical records
  • Regular security assessments and updates

7. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Understand how you use our website
  • Improve website functionality and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

We treat patients of all ages. For patients under 18, we obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before collecting or using their information.

10. Data Retention

We retain your health information for the period required by law and professional standards, typically a minimum of 7 years from your last visit. Records may be retained longer if necessary for ongoing treatment, legal requirements, or other legitimate purposes.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. We will notify you of significant changes through our website or via email. The revised policy applies to all information we maintain.

12. Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a breach of your protected health information, we will notify you and appropriate authorities as required by law.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

Privacy Officer

Info@dreamlinedental.com

Phone: (660) 358-1277

You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of December 2024 and applies to all information collected by Dr. Zehra's Mobile Dental Sleep Medicine.

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