Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 10/10/2025
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At LaPointe Family Dentistry, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.
Website Privacy
This policy covers both our dental practice and this website. When you visit our website, we may collect:
- Browsing Information: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site
- Cookies: Small files stored on your device to improve your browsing experience
- Forms: Information you voluntarily submit through contact forms, appointment requests, or patient portals
We use this website information solely to improve our services and user experience. We do not sell or share your website data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to provide you with quality dental care, including:
- Personal Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and emergency contact information
- Health Information: Medical and dental history, treatment records, diagnostic images, insurance information, and billing records
- Payment Information: Credit card details, insurance policy numbers, and payment history
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your dental care
- Payment: To bill you or your insurance company for services rendered
- Healthcare Operations: To improve our services, train staff, and maintain quality care standards
- Appointment Reminders: To send you reminders about upcoming appointments via phone, text, or email
- Communication: To contact you regarding treatment plans, follow-up care, or practice updates
How We Protect Your Information
We implement strict security measures to protect your personal health information:
- Secure electronic health record systems with password protection and encryption
- Limited access to patient information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular staff training on HIPAA compliance and privacy practices
- Secure storage of physical records in locked areas
- Proper disposal of confidential information through shredding and secure electronic deletion
Sharing Your Information
We will only share your information as permitted or required by law:
- With Your Consent: We may share information with family members or others you authorize
- Healthcare Providers: With specialists, laboratories, or other providers involved in your care
- Insurance Companies: To process claims and verify coverage
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process
- Public Health: To prevent disease or injury, or to report adverse events
We will never sell your personal health information to third parties.
Your Rights
Under HIPAA, you have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your health records
- Amendment: Request corrections to your health information
- Accounting: Receive a list of disclosures of your health information
- Restrictions: Request limits on how we use or share your information
- Confidential Communication: Request that we contact you in a specific way or location
- Notice: Receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
Consent and Authorization
By receiving services at our office, you consent to our use of your information as described in this policy. For uses beyond treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, we will obtain your written authorization.
Updates to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed to comply with changing laws and regulations. Any changes will be posted on our website and made available at our office.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact:
Privacy Officer: Jessi LaPointe
Phone: 361-844-9100
Email: info@lapointefamilydentistry.com
Address: 4449 S Alameda St Bldg #1, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
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.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Notice of Privacy Practices: A complete Notice of Privacy Practices as required by HIPAA is available for download [here] or upon request at our office.
Last Updated: 10/10/2025