Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms

Pagosa Smiles

Dr. Jordan Rutherford, DDS

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

At Pagosa Smiles, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (www.pagosasmiles.com) or interact with our dental practice. This policy complies with applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

By using our website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions, please contact us at [insert contact information].

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address.
• Appointment Information: Date and time of appointments, reason for visit.
• Payment Information: Billing details, insurance information (if applicable).

Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Medical History: Dental records, treatment plans, X-rays, and other health-related data provided by you or generated during your care.
• Demographic Information: Age, gender, date of birth.

Website Usage Information

• Non-Personal Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on our website (collected via cookies or analytics tools).

2. How We Collect Information

• Directly from You: When you schedule an appointment, fill out forms, or contact us via phone, email, or the website.
• Automatically: Through website cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
• From Third Parties: Such as insurance providers or referring healthcare professionals, with your consent.

3. How We Use Your Information

Pagosa Smiles may use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide dental care and treatment.
• To schedule and confirm appointments.
• To process payments and insurance claims.
• To communicate with you (e.g., appointment reminders, treatment follow-ups).
• To comply with legal obligations, including HIPAA regulations.
• To improve our website and services (e.g., analyzing usage trends).

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal or health information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: For example, when sharing records with another healthcare provider at your request.
• For Treatment, Payment, or Operations: As permitted by HIPAA (e.g., billing insurers or consulting with specialists).
• Legal Requirements: To comply with court orders, subpoenas, or public health reporting obligations.
• Business Associates: With third-party vendors (e.g., IT or billing services) who are bound by confidentiality agreements and HIPAA compliance.

5. How We Protect Your Information

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Encrypted storage of electronic health records.
• Secure transmission of data (e.g., via SSL on our website).
• Restricted access to PHI to authorized personnel only.
• Regular staff training on privacy and security practices.

Despite these efforts, no system is 100% secure. If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected individuals as required by law.

6. Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a patient of Pagosa Smiles, you have the following rights regarding your PHI:

• Access: Request a copy of your dental records.
• Amendment: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.
• Restriction: Request limits on how we use or share your PHI (though we may not always be able to comply).
• Confidential Communications: Request alternative methods of communication (e.g., a different phone number).

To exercise these rights, contact our office at [insert contact information].

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies to enhance your experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. We use this data to analyze website performance but do not link it to your PHI unless you provide it directly.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. Pagosa Smiles is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we have unintentionally collected such data, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will be posted on our website with the updated “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review it periodically.

11. Dental Medical Disclaimers

• No Doctor-Patient Relationship via Website: Information on our website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. For personalized advice, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan Rutherford, DDS.
• Treatment Risks: Dental treatments carry risks and benefits, which will be discussed during your consultation. Results may vary based on individual conditions.
• Emergencies: If you experience a dental emergency, contact our office directly or seek immediate medical attention. Do not rely solely on our website or email for urgent care.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact:
Pagosa Smiles
Attn: Privacy Question