NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Effective Date: 02/06/2026
Joseph A. Nicolas, DDS
801 Portola Dr. STE 204
San Francisco, CA 94127
415-566-9700
DrNicolas.com
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 understand that your dental health information is personal. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Notice applies to all records of your care generated by our practice.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or disclose your health information for the following purposes:
Text Messaging (SMS) Privacy & Consent
In addition to appointment reminders, we use text messaging to provide efficient communication related to your dental care.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to:
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice and apply the revised Notice to all health information we maintain. Updates will be posted in our office and on our website.
Questions or Complaints
If you have questions or believe your privacy rights have been violated, contact:
Effective Date: 02/06/2026
Joseph A. Nicolas, DDS
801 Portola Dr. STE 204
San Francisco, CA 94127
415-566-9700
DrNicolas.com
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 understand that your dental health information is personal. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Notice applies to all records of your care generated by our practice.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or disclose your health information for the following purposes:
- Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care.
Example: Sharing information with specialists or labs. - Payment: To bill and collect payment from you, your insurance company, or a third party.
Example: Sending claims to your dental insurer. - Healthcare Operations: For administrative, quality improvement, and legal purposes.
Example: Reviewing treatment outcomes or conducting audits. - Appointment Reminders & Communications: To contact you about appointments or treatment options.
Example: Voicemail, email, or text reminders. - Required by Law: When disclosure is mandated by federal, state, or local law.
- Public Health & Safety: For reporting communicable diseases, abuse, or threats to public health.
- Legal Proceedings & Law Enforcement: In response to court orders, subpoenas, or law enforcement requests.
- Business Associates: With third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf under HIPAA-compliant agreements.
Text Messaging (SMS) Privacy & Consent
In addition to appointment reminders, we use text messaging to provide efficient communication related to your dental care.
- Consent and Opt-In: By providing your mobile number and explicitly opting in (via our website, intake forms, or by texting us first), you agree to receive SMS messages from Joseph A. Nicolas, DDS.
- Nature of Messages: These may include appointment reminders, scheduling updates, and responses to your direct inquiries.
- No Third-Party Sharing: No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
- Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message we send. Upon doing so, you will receive one final confirmation message.
- Help: Reply HELP for assistance or contact our office directly at 415-566-9700.
- Cost: Standard message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on your dental care needs.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to:
- Access Your Records: Request to inspect or receive copies of your dental records.
- Request Amendments: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Request Restrictions: Limit how we use or disclose your information.
- Confidential Communications: Request that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., only at work).
- Accounting of Disclosures: Receive a list of disclosures made outside of treatment, payment, or operations.
- Receive a Paper Copy: Ask for a paper copy of this Notice at any time.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice and apply the revised Notice to all health information we maintain. Updates will be posted in our office and on our website.
Questions or Complaints
If you have questions or believe your privacy rights have been violated, contact:
Joseph A. Nicolas, DDS
801 Portola Dr Ste 204 | San Francisco, CA 94127
801 Portola Dr Ste 204 | San Francisco, CA 94127
415-566-9700 (Call) | 415-323-3858 (Text)
Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies
[Privacy Policy]
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.