Short Description
A federal law that protects patient privacy and ensures the secure handling of health and dental records.
Long Description
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of patient health information. It applies to dentists, insurance companies, and healthcare providers, ensuring that personal dental records remain confidential and are only shared with authorized parties.
Under HIPAA, dental offices must follow strict guidelines for storing, transmitting, and handling patient information. Patients have the right to access their dental records, request corrections, and control how their information is shared.
HIPAA also prevents insurance providers from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions and ensures that patients can transition between health plans without losing coverage. Dental offices must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient rights and avoid legal penalties.