HIPAA Compliance at Wilshire Center Dental Group
At Wilshire Center Dental Group, protecting your personal and medical information is one of our top priorities. We are committed to complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI). This page outlines our commitment to HIPAA compliance and what it means for you as our patient.
What Is HIPAA?
HIPAA is a federal law enacted to:
- Protect the confidentiality of patients’ medical information.
- Ensure secure electronic transmission of health data.
- Establish safeguards against unauthorized access or breaches of sensitive information.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
As a patient, you have specific rights under HIPAA to protect your health information, including:
- Access to Records: You have the right to request and review your medical records at any time.
- Privacy: Your personal health information will only be shared with authorized individuals or entities.
- Corrections: If you notice inaccuracies in your medical records, you have the right to request corrections.
- Disclosure History: You can request a record of who has accessed your health information.
- Communication Preferences: You may specify how and where you prefer to be contacted regarding your medical care.
How We Protect Your Information
We implement strict measures to ensure the privacy and security of your PHI:
- Data Encryption: All electronic health records (EHR) and communications are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
- Secure Storage: Paper records are stored in locked facilities, while digital records are safeguarded with secure systems.
- Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to your health information, and access is monitored regularly.
- Staff Training: Our team undergoes regular training to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and best practices.
- Third-Party Agreements: We require all third-party vendors handling your PHI to adhere to strict confidentiality and security guidelines.
Sharing Your Information
We may share your PHI in the following situations, as permitted by HIPAA:
- For Treatment: To coordinate your care with other healthcare providers.
- For Payment: To process insurance claims or collect payment for services rendered.
- For Healthcare Operations: To improve the quality of care and manage office operations.
Your information will not be used for marketing purposes or shared with unauthorized individuals without your explicit consent.
Reporting Concerns or Breaches
If you have concerns about the privacy or security of your health information, we encourage you to contact us immediately.
- Phone: (213) 386-3336
If you feel your rights have been violated, you also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Staying Up-to-Date
HIPAA regulations and healthcare technologies are continually evolving. At Wilshire Center Dental Group, we stay informed about the latest changes and adjust our practices as needed to maintain compliance.
Your Trust Matters to Us
Your privacy is our priority, and we take every measure to protect your personal health information. If you have any questions about our HIPAA compliance practices or your rights, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.