Privacy Policy

Seattle’s Family Dentistry (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share your information, including any Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Our office is dedicated to protecting the privacy rights of our patients and the confidential information entrusted to us. It is a requirement of this practice that every employee receives appropriate training and is dedicated to the principal concept that your health information shall never be compromised. We may, from time to time, amend our privacy policies and practices but will always inform you of any changes that might affect our obligations and your rights.

PROTECTING YOUR HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

We use and disclose the information we collect from you only as allowed by HIPAA and the state of Washington. This includes issues relating to your treatment, payment, and our health care operations. Your personal health information will never be otherwise given or disclosed to anyone — even family members — without your consent or written authorization. You may give written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose, for any purpose.

Our offices and electronic systems are secure from unauthorized access and our employees are trained to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and protection of your records. Our privacy policy and practices apply to all former, current, and future patients.

COLLECTING PROTECTED HEALTHCARE INFORMATION (PHI)

We will only request personal information needed to provide our standard of quality health care, implement payment activities, conduct normal health practice operations, and comply with the law. This may include your name, address, phone numbers, Social Security Number, employment data, medical history, health records, and more. We may obtain information from third parties if deemed necessary. Regardless of the source, your information is protected to the full extent of the law.

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PROTECTED HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

We may disclose information as required by law to law enforcement and government officials. We will not use your information for marketing or fundraising without your written consent. Appointment reminders may be communicated via voicemail, answering machines, or postcards unless directed otherwise. We do not sell or share your information for financial gain.

Any breach of your PHI — including unauthorized access or disclosure — will be fully investigated and disclosed to you per the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, address
Health Information (PHI): Health history, insurance details, appointment info, treatment records
Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device data, site activity

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and manage dental services
Schedule and confirm appointments
Communicate with you by phone, email, or SMS
Submit claims to your insurance provider
Comply with HIPAA and state laws
Improve our website and services

3. Text Messaging Consent (10DLC Compliance)

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS text messages from Seattle’s Family Dentistry regarding appointment reminders, service updates, and limited marketing communications. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.” For help, reply “HELP” or call 206-309-3967.

4. HIPAA Compliance

Seattle’s Family Dentistry complies with HIPAA to protect your health information. We:

Use secure health record systems
Limit access to PHI
Encrypt sensitive data
Train all staff on HIPAA compliance

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your information. We may share your data:

With authorized service providers
With your insurer for billing
As required by law or with your consent

6. Data Retention

We retain personal and health information as required by law or for ongoing treatment and billing purposes.

7. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 13 without parental consent.

8. Your Rights as Our Patient

You have the right to:

Access and request copies of your health records in various formats
Request a list of PHI disclosures
File complaints with us or with HHS

Requests must be in writing. We may charge a fee for copies in accordance with the law.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically and will notify you through our website or direct communication.

Seattle’s Family Dentistry
10416 Aurora Ave N.
Seattle, Washington 98133
206-466-2424