she repeated my condition in front of others many times, even after i asked her not to do that. she kept saying it. then, she refused to give me a needed shot bc i could not pay the full amount up front.
2007-01-13 10:54:01 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
yes, HIPAA violation. you can get them into some trouble if you like. even comes with jail time.
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
2007-01-13 11:02:26 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can use the confidential information to call you. For example, they can use your age and your name. I don't think that saying what your condition was in front of everybody was illegal, but it was very impolite. Write a letter or issue a complaint. As for the shot, there are some policies in hospitals and such that you need to pay all of it up front. Check the paperwork. Maybe yes, maybe no. Anyways, good luck.
2007-01-13 11:01:22 · answer #2 · answered by 'chip! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its illegal... all medical conditions is between the patient and doctor. If the receptionist does the medical conditions into the computer its not to be revealed to the 'waiting room' or anywhere. Its considered confidential...HIPAA. Your Health Information Privacy Rights ..... you can find it in www.hipaa.org
she needs to be reported...
2007-01-13 11:02:40 · answer #3 · answered by ~~~Buffy~~~ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All staff members are informed of medical confidential necessity when hired. She should be reported if you were embarrassed as you are probably not the only patient she has done this to. As for paying up front that is the normal practice if the procedure is not covered by insurance or if you have no insurance. There are free clinics if you qualify for one.♪
2007-01-13 16:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by # one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely this is a violation of the HIPPA laws. She cannot disclose your medical information to anyone other than the patient, guardian or someone whom the patient has given permission to release it to. Speaking of confidential issues in hearing range of people in the waiting area is strictly forbidden. you need to let her boss (the doctor) know about this, they may be unaware.
On the issue of the shot, that is actually OK. Medical facilities and doctors are not obligated to provide free care to anyone, except in cases of emergency. If you cannot pay for something and you don't have the insurance to pay for it, then they can decline to give it to you. Yes, payment can be expected at the time of service. Alot of places do allow for the patient to be billed and make installment payments but that needs to be pre-arranged. They are under no obligation to do it for you.
2007-01-13 11:24:26 · answer #5 · answered by Aine 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Receptionist working in a medical office cannot speak openly in front of other people about your private medical info.She violated your privacy which is protected by HIPPA.Many healthcare providers have been sued for this breach in confidentiallity.I would bring this to her employers attention immediately.
2007-01-13 11:01:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Disclosures of personal medical information are regulated by the Health Information Privacy Act, often referred to as HIPA. The receptionists lack of discretion is likely covered by HIPA.
2007-01-13 10:59:54 · answer #7 · answered by Matthew M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to divulge any patient's medical history to anyone other than the patient, their legal guardian(s), or anyone the patient has given permission to receive it. She should have shut up when she was informed that others could hear her.
2007-01-13 10:59:50 · answer #8 · answered by marklemoore 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
quite wrong the receptionist usually has no basis in ethics of medical fraternity
2007-01-13 10:57:58 · answer #9 · answered by PETER N 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is rather rude, I would bring it up with the dr the next time or just call and ask for the doc him/herself. You do have a right to complain and you should exercise your right to do so.
2007-01-13 10:59:12 · answer #10 · answered by momofatsc 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋