Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

McAllen Dental, led by Dr. Joey Cazares, DDS, is deeply committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect, how we use and safeguard it, and your rights regarding your data. We adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable federal and Texas state laws to ensure your information is handled with the utmost care and security.

Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide you with high-quality dental care and to manage our practice effectively. This includes:

  • Personal Identification Information: Your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and insurance information. * Protected Health Information (PHI): Your medical and dental history, treatment records, x-rays, diagnoses, treatment plans, and billing records. * Website Usage Information: When you visit our website, we may collect non-personal data such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site to improve your online experience. For more on how we manage our online presence, you can review our AI Disclosure.

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used exclusively for purposes related to your care and the operation of our practice. Primary uses include:

  1. Providing Dental Care: To diagnose, treat, and coordinate your dental health services. 2. Processing Payments: To bill you, your insurance company, or a third-party payer for services rendered. 3. Practice Operations: For quality assessment, staff training, and general business management. 4. Appointment Reminders: To contact you via phone, text, or email about upcoming appointments or treatment updates. 5. Health-Related Communications: To provide information about treatment alternatives, other health-related benefits, or services that may be of interest to you.

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal or health information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Information Disclosure

We may disclose your information in the following limited circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: For purposes you specifically authorize. * For Treatment, Payment, or Healthcare Operations: To other healthcare providers involved in your care, to your insurance company for payment, or for our internal business operations. * As Required by Law: To comply with a court order, subpoena, or other legal process. * For Public Health and Safety: As required by law to report certain diseases, injuries, or vital events.

Any disclosure is made with strict confidentiality safeguards in place.

Data Security

We implement a variety of physical, administrative, and technical security measures designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include secure electronic health records (EHR) systems, encrypted communications, access controls for staff, and secure disposal of paper records. Our commitment to security extends to our digital tools and patient communications, governed by our Terms of Service.

Your Privacy Rights

You have certain rights regarding your health information, including the right to:

  • Request Restrictions: Ask us to limit how we use or disclose your information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. * Access and Obtain Copies: Inspect and receive a copy of your health records. * Request Amendments: Ask us to amend your records if you believe they are incorrect or incomplete. * Receive an Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your information. * Request Confidential Communications: Ask us to communicate with you about health matters in a specific way (e.g., at a particular phone number).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer in writing.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with an effective date. We encourage you to review this page occasionally to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer at:

McAllen Dental Attn: Privacy Officer [Please use the contact form on our website for privacy-related inquiries.]

You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my dental information protected by federal law?

Yes. Your dental records are considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and are protected by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). McAllen Dental is fully compliant with HIPAA regulations.

Can I get a copy of my dental records?

Absolutely. You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your health records. Please submit a written request to our office, and we will provide them in a timely manner, as permitted by law.

Do you share my information with marketers?

No. We do not sell, rent, or lease patient information to third-party marketers. Any communication for health-related services or practice updates is done directly by our practice.

How do you secure my electronic health records?

We use a secure, encrypted Electronic Health Record (EHR) system with strict access controls. Only authorized staff members with a need to know can access patient information, and all access is logged and monitored.

What should I do if I think my privacy has been violated?

Please contact our Privacy Officer immediately. You also have the right to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.