Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)
Your health information privacy rights and how we protect them
Effective Date: August 24, 2025
Last reviewed: August 24, 2025
Version: 1.0
This Notice describes how medical and dental information about you (Protected Health Information or PHI) may be used and disclosed by Chris Zagami DDS and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Who We Are
Chris Zagami DDS
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We are required by law to protect the privacy of your PHI, provide this Notice, and follow the privacy practices described herein.
How We May Use and Disclose PHI Without Your Written Authorization
Treatment
We may use and disclose PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care and related services. This includes sharing information with dental staff and other treating providers.
Payment
We may use and disclose PHI to obtain payment for services, including billing and claims submissions. The Practice is in‑network with Delta Dental Premier; for other insurers we will submit claims as authorized.
Healthcare Operations
We may use and disclose PHI for quality assessment, training, accreditation, audits, business planning, and other operations necessary to run the Practice.
Appointment Reminders and Treatment Alternatives
We may contact you to remind you of appointments or to inform you about treatment options or health-related benefits and services.
Other Permitted or Required Uses and Disclosures (No Authorization Required)
We may disclose PHI when required by law, for public health activities, to report abuse or neglect, to health oversight agencies, in response to court orders, to law enforcement as required, or to avert a serious threat to health or safety.
Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Written Authorization
Uses and disclosures not described in this Notice (including most marketing communications and the use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes) will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent the Practice has already acted in reliance on the authorization.
Website and Electronic Communications
Important Notice:
Our public website (zagamidds.com) collects only basic contact information (name, phone, email) for consultation requests. Do not submit medical histories, diagnoses, treatment details, or other PHI via the public website forms. If you need to provide PHI electronically, we will direct you to a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal or request the information in person or by phone.
Your Rights Regarding PHI
Right to Inspect and Copy
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI maintained by the Practice, subject to certain legal limitations. Fees for copies may apply.
Right to Request Amendment
You may request that we amend your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. We may deny the request in certain circumstances.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI made by the Practice.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI. We will comply with requests when feasible and required by law.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at alternative locations.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
You may request and receive a paper copy of this Notice even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
To exercise any of these rights, contact the Practice using the contact information provided above.
Breach Notification
If there is a breach of your unsecured PHI, we will notify you as required by law and take steps required by regulation.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Practice at the contact information listed above. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint will not affect your care.
Business Associates
We may use third-party vendors to perform services on our behalf (such as billing, hosting, patient scheduling). When these vendors create, receive, maintain, or transmit PHI on our behalf, we require them to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) obligating them to protect PHI.
Safeguards
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect PHI, including staff training, access controls, and secure systems. When PHI is transmitted electronically, we use secure methods consistent with applicable law.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and to make the new Notice effective for all PHI we maintain. Any revised Notice will be posted on our website with the revised Effective Date. You may request a copy of the current Notice at any time.
Contact Information
For questions, complaints, or to exercise your rights, contact:
Chris Zagami DDS
This Notice is effective as of August 24, 2025.