HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Apex Oral Surgery
Effective Date: October 13, 2025
Last Updated:
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.
PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
1. Our Legal Duties
We are required by federal law (HIPAA) to protect the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI), provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices, and comply with the terms of this Notice.
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices at any time. If we do, we will update this Notice and make the new version available in our office and on our website.
2. How We Use and Disclose Your Information
2.1 For Treatment
We may use or share your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your oral surgery and dental care. This may include sharing information with other dentists, specialists, or healthcare providers involved in your treatment.
2.2 For Payment
We may use or disclose your PHI to bill for our services and to receive payment from insurance companies, third-party payers, or directly from you.
2.3 For Health Care Operations
We may use your PHI to operate our practice, improve quality of care, train staff, conduct audits, or carry out administrative, legal, and financial activities related to your care.
2.4 Other Uses and Disclosures Permitted or Required by Law
We may disclose your PHI as allowed or required by federal or state law, including:
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Public health reporting (e.g. disease control, child abuse)
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Health oversight activities (e.g. audits, inspections)
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Legal proceedings (e.g. subpoenas, court orders)
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Law enforcement (in limited circumstances)
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Research (with appropriate safeguards)
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Organ and tissue donation
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Coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors
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To prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety
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For workers' compensation claims
2.5 With Your Written Authorization
For any use or disclosure not described in this Notice, we will obtain your written authorization. This includes:
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Marketing communications
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Sale of your PHI
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Use of psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.
3. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the right to:
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Access your record: Request a copy of your health records (paper or electronic).
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Request corrections: Ask us to correct or amend your record if you believe it is incomplete or incorrect.
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Request restrictions: Ask us not to use or share certain health information for specific purposes (we may decline if legally permitted).
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Request confidential communications: Ask us to contact you in a specific way or at a specific location.
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Receive an accounting of disclosures: Request a list of disclosures we've made (excluding treatment, payment, and operations).
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Receive a paper or digital copy of this Notice: Request a copy at any time.
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File a complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or the Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Breach Notification
If there is a breach of unsecured PHI that may pose a risk to you, we will notify you in accordance with HIPAA’s Breach Notification Rule.
5. Communication Methods
We may contact you through:
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Phone
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Email
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SMS/text messaging (with your written consent)
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Postal mail
These communications may involve appointment reminders, billing, treatment follow-up, or health-related services. You can opt out of non-required communications at any time.
6. Services to Minors and Accessibility
We provide services to minors only with proper consent from a parent or legal guardian, unless otherwise permitted by law.
We are committed to accessibility and strive to make all notices, communications, and services available to individuals with disabilities. Please let us know if you need any accommodations.
7. Filing Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Apex Oral Surgery
448-223-0984
Or with:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
8. Contact Information
Apex Oral Surgery
448-233-0984
Final Note
This Notice is required by HIPAA and describes how we use and protect your medical information. It is not a contract and does not obligate you to receive services.