Important Notice
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We take our responsibility to safeguard your protected health information very seriously. We value your trust and are committed to maintaining a confidential relationship with you as part of providing high-quality medical care.
This notice explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access that information.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
We may use and disclose health information about you without your permission for the following purposes:
- Treatment – To coordinate or manage your care with other healthcare providers or facilities.
- Payment – To obtain reimbursement from insurance or other payers for services provided.
- Healthcare Operations – To improve our services, manage our practice, train staff, and conduct audits.
- Legal Requirements – When required by federal, state, or local law.
- Prevent Serious Threats – To protect your health and safety or the health and safety of others.
- Public Health and Safety – Including disease prevention, abuse reporting, and FDA oversight.
- Research – When reviewed and approved through a required review process.
- Workers’ Compensation and Law Enforcement – When required under these programs.
- Family or Friends – When involved in your care, based on your preference or best interest.
We will share only the minimum necessary information required for each purpose.
We will not use or disclose your health information for marketing, sale, or fundraising without your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing.
Special Protections: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Records
If your medical record includes information related to substance use disorder treatment protected under federal law (42 CFR Part 2), additional privacy protections apply:
- We will not disclose this information without your written consent unless required by law.
- This information may not be used in court or legal proceedings without a special court order.
- You may revoke your consent at any time.
- Re-disclosure by others may no longer be protected.
- You have the right to opt out of any fundraising communications.
Special Protections Under Oregon Law
Oregon law provides additional privacy protections for certain types of health information. These laws may limit how we use or disclose information even when disclosure is permitted under federal law (HIPAA).
This includes:
- HIV/AIDS and HIV testing information (ORS 433.045), which may not be disclosed without specific written authorization except as permitted by law.
- Mental health treatment information (ORS 179.505–179.509), which may have additional restrictions.
- Genetic information (ORS 192.531–192.549), which is subject to special confidentiality protections.
- Substance Use Disorder treatment records protected under federal law (42 CFR Part 2), as described above.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access – Request to see or receive a copy of your health and billing records.
- Amend – Request corrections to your records if you believe they are incorrect.
- Request Restrictions – Ask us not to use or share certain information (we are not required to agree but will consider your request).
- Request Confidential Communications – Ask us to contact you in a specific way (e.g., only at work or no voicemail).
- Accounting of Disclosures – Request a list of disclosures made for reasons other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
- Receive a Copy of This Notice – Request a paper copy at any time.
- Be Notified of a Breach – Receive notification if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer using the information provided at the bottom of this page.
Our Responsibilities
We are required by law to:
- Protect the privacy of your health information.
- Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Follow the terms of this Notice.
- Notify you if a breach of your protected health information occurs.
We may update this Notice from time to time. Any changes will apply to all health information we maintain. Updated notices will be posted in our office and on our website, and copies will be available upon request.
Complaints and Questions
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Contact for complaints or more information:
Privacy Officer
Wellness Centered Dentistry – Robert G. Whicker, DDS, PC
4725 Village Plaza Loop, Ste 101 Eugene, OR 97401
We are committed to earning and maintaining your trust by protecting your health information with care and