This website is operated by CHERUKURI V., D.D.S., P.L.L.C., doing business as Harrisburg Smiles (“we,” “us,” or “our”), located at 4310 Physicians Blvd., Harrisburg, NC 28075. We operate the harrisburgsmilesdental.com website (the”Site”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site or use our services, including our SMS text messaging program.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect the following types of information:
– Personal information you provide directly, such as your name, mobile phone number, email address, mailing address, date of birth, and insurance details when you book an appointment, complete a form, or contact us.
– Health-related information necessary to provide dental care, which is handled in accordance with applicable law (see “Protected Health Information” below).
– Automatically collected information, such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited, collected through cookies and similar technologies when you use our Site.
HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the information we collect to:
– Provide, schedule, and coordinate your dental care and treatment.
– Send appointment reminders, confirmations, treatment follow-ups, and care
updates (including by text message, with your consent).
– Respond to your questions, requests, and customer-service needs.
– Process payments and verify insurance.
– Operate, maintain, and improve our Site and services.
– Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (HIPAA)
As a dental practice, we are a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your protected health information (PHI) is maintained and disclosed in accordance with HIPAA and our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available at our office upon request. We will not use or disclose your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, and health care operations without your authorization, except permitted or required by law.
HOW WE SHARE INFORMATION
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:
– Service providers who perform functions on our behalf (such as appointment reminders, payment processing, and IT services), under agreements that require them to protect your information.
– Insurance carriers and other parties as needed to process claims and provide care.
– Government authorities or other parties when required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or the safety of others.
Your mobile phone number and text message preferences are kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
COOKIES AND ANALYTICS
Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the Site, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use the Site. You can control cookies through your browser settings. We may use analytics services to help us understand Site usage; these services may collect information sent by your browser.
DATA SECURITY
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
TEXT MESSAGE COMMUNICATIONS (SMS PROGRAM)
Consent. With your express consent, we may send text messages to your mobile phone number for:
– Appointment reminders and confirmations
– Treatment follow-up instructions
– Important health and care updates related to your treatment
– Prescription and care reminders
Message Frequency. Message frequency varies but typically up to 4 messages per month. You may receive additional messages during active treatment periods.
Costs. Message and data rates may apply as determined by your mobile carrier. We do not charge for text messages, but your carrier’s standard messaging rates will apply.
Opt-Out. You can opt out of text messages at any time by:
– Replying STOP to any text message
– Calling our office at (980) 258-0866
– Requesting removal during your next visit
– Emailing us at office@harrisburgsmilesdental.com
Help. For help with text messages, reply HELP to any message or contact our office directly.
Privacy. Your mobile phone number and text message preferences are kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES
You may request to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you, subject to applicable legal and recordkeeping requirements. You may opt out of text messages as described above. To make a request, contact us using the information below.
CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
Our Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. For minor patients, information is provided by a parent or legal guardian.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
CONTACT US
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
CHERUKURI V., D.D.S., P.L.L.C., dba Harrisburg Smiles
4310 Physicians Blvd., Harrisburg, NC 28075
Phone: (980) 258-0866
Email: office@harrisburgsmilesdental.com