Yes i have asked this before but i wanted to see if i get any other answers before i confront someone. Has anyone ever heard of a doctor emailing a patient their test results?
The situation: i have a very good friend who has found a woman that he is attracted to. She has a bit of a reputation. Which in and of itself is not bad. BUT safety first. So he asked her to get tested so that he would know they are both safe. (He did the same) So one day she forwards an email to him. It is supposedly from her doctor that gives her a clean bill of health.
Maybe i am just biased because i personally just don't like her, but the whole thing feels fishy to me. i just have never heard of a doctor emailing sensitive results (whether they be postive or negative) to a patient. If it is true then so be it. So basically want to know if anyone has heard of this, had this happen, absolutely know it can't happen? Any knowledge/opinions are greatly appreciated. Serious answers only please.
2006-08-01 18:13:49 · 7 answers · asked by purple dove 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Doctors never e-mail test results. That breaks medical confidentiality. There's no way to prove that e-mail is yours, or you're the only one checking it, or that it won't be hijacked.
Read about your rights here: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
2006-08-01 18:18:13 · answer #1 · answered by Meredia 4 · 9⤊ 1⤋
Sending results via unsecured email violates State and Federal Hippa ( Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Just the same a doctor would not leave results on your home answering maching. It is their responsibility to tell you in person or directly by phone so that your identity can be confirmed.
2006-08-02 01:26:23 · answer #2 · answered by Johnsmatrix 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If this kind of information is being sent over the internet, then the person who sent it has violated HIPPA. A fax is okay,this is legal, and verifiable, and in secured areas, but the person receiving a fax should be on the other end, meaning he would have to call saying he's faxing it so that person could recieve it. He has made a direct contact. I don't think legally they can do this via email. first of all, anyone could get it but then....who am I to say...I could be wrong.
2006-08-02 01:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by TexasSweetie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A doctor is reluctant to give you information over the phone so I cant imagine they would want to email something.. Maybe just call a Doctors office and ask them if they do it or have ever heard of another Dr doing it!
2006-08-02 01:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by Jade H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely doctors are not allowed to email any results to their patients. That is why we make appointments to be seen and another appointment to let us know what's the result whether it's positive or negative. Professional etiquette as we say.
2006-08-02 01:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by amber200271 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ive never heard of that before sounds strange
2006-08-02 01:18:50 · answer #6 · answered by crystal h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's strange but then why do you not call the doctor?
2006-08-02 01:23:05 · answer #7 · answered by felixhoit 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋