Privacy Policy – Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics
Notice of Privacy Practices
Your privacy matters to us. This Notice outlines how your protected health information (PHI) may be used or shared, and what rights you have regarding that information under HIPAA and applicable state laws.
How We May Use or Share Your Health Information
We may use or share your PHI for:
Treatment – Sharing with other healthcare providers as needed for your care.
Payment – Billing health plans or third parties for services rendered.
Operations – Internal reviews, quality improvement, appointment reminders, and administrative purposes.
Public Health and Safety – Reporting issues such as disease outbreaks, abuse, or threats to health/safety.
Legal and Government Requirements – Including for law enforcement, legal proceedings, or regulatory compliance.
Family & Others Involved in Care – With your permission or when legally appropriate, we may share information with family members, legal guardians, or individuals involved in your care.
Research – When permitted by law, we may use PHI for research purposes under strict conditions.
Funeral, Organ Donation, or Worker Compensation Purposes – As required by relevant laws or to facilitate such processes.
We do not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have rights including:
Access – Request paper or electronic copies of your PHI.
Amendment – Ask to correct or update inaccurate or incomplete information; we will respond—typically within 60 days.
Confidential Communications – Request alternate contact methods (e.g., home vs. office, mailing address).
Restrictions – Request limitations on how your PHI is used or disclosed.
Accounting of Disclosures – Ask for a record of PHI disclosures made, excluding certain categories; one accounting is provided free annually.
Paper Notice – Request a hard copy of this Privacy Notice at any time.
Complaints – Contact our Privacy Officer or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint.
SMS Messaging Consent
By providing your mobile number and opting into our SMS messaging, you authorize us to send respectful, appointment- or service-related messages. Your number is used solely for these purposes and is not shared for marketing.
Security & Data Use
Your information is protected by industry-standard security practices. We only use or share your PHI as described here—unless we receive your written consent for other purposes. In case of a breach, we will notify you promptly.
State Law Compliance
If state privacy laws applicable to you are stricter than HIPAA, we adhere to those as well. Please inform our Privacy Officer if you would like information about applicable state laws.
Updates to This Notice
Effective as of 2025, this Notice follows current law and practices. Updates will be made available on our website and in-office.
How to Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to exercise your rights, please reach out to our Privacy Officer, Mariella, at:
Address: 5925 Forest Lane Suite 400 Floor 4 Dallas, TX 75230
Phone: 972-503-0400