Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Sage Smiles Dental Clinic, Calgary

Introduction

This Privacy Policy covers services provided by Sage Smiles Dental Clinic, Calgary. We are committed to maintaining the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) and complying with applicable laws and regulations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada. Protected health information includes any information about you that may identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, as well as related health care services.

Notice of Privacy Practices

This notice describes how your health information may be used, disclosed, and how you can access this information. If you have any questions, please contact our Office Manager.

Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information

• Treatment: Your PHI may be used to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care, including sharing information with other providers or third parties involved in your treatment.
• Payment: Your PHI may be used to obtain payment for services provided, including billing, insurance eligibility checks, and payment collections.
• Operations: We may use your PHI for business operations such as quality assessments, staff training, or compliance reviews. This may include:
  • Use of sign-in sheets at the reception desk.
  • Calling patients by name in the waiting area.
  • Contacting you for appointment reminders or to inform you about services that may benefit you.
• Business Associates: We ensure that any third-party business associates accessing your PHI comply with applicable privacy regulations through binding agreements.
• Marketing and Other Disclosures: Your PHI may be used to provide you with information about services or products that may benefit you. For all uses beyond treatment, payment, and operations, your written authorization is required unless otherwise permitted by law. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

Your Rights

• Right to Access: You have the right to access and request copies of your medical records, including billing records. Certain limitations may apply, such as information compiled in anticipation of legal proceedings.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how your PHI is used or disclosed for treatment, payment, or operations. Agreed-upon restrictions will be honored unless needed for emergency treatment.
• Right to Confidential Communication: You may request to receive communications through alternative means or at specific locations. Reasonable requests will be accommodated.
• Right to Amend Records: You may request amendments to your PHI. If denied, you may file a statement of disagreement.
• Right to Accounting of Disclosures: You may request an account of certain disclosures of your PHI not related to treatment, payment, or operations. Exclusions apply, including disclosures authorized by you or made directly to you.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Office Manager or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We will not retaliate for filing complaints.

For further information, contact the Office Manager at Sage Smiles Dental Clinic.

Policy Changes

Sage Smiles Dental Clinic reserves the right to update this policy at any time. Revised versions will be available upon request at the clinic or by contacting our Office Manager.