Office Horror Stories?

[Blindsided]

Hello everyone. I am working in a very fast paced office, with several doctors. I feel it is very chaotic and without enough help. The medical records are a mess, and trying to find charts has always been a big issue. While I'm on the subject of medical records, is it a HIPAA violation to remove charts from the facility? This is one concern I have. We don't have electronic charts. Please share with me any related horrors that you might be experiencing, and/or answer my question. I just want some joy, but there is very little in this place due to the workload. Just putting out fires! Thanks.

[SeeTheMoon]

You know it seems that the mess of a filing system you are having to deal w/ could be a little dangerous. Seems like it would be so easy to get things mixed up! Dr: "Ms. Brown, I'm so sorry to inform you that your labs indicate that you have a horrible debilitating disease, and you may die w/ in the next 45 mins." (massive sobbing ensues by "Ms. Brown".) Dr: "Oops, never mind this isn't yours. My bad...."

[Blindsided]

Thank you everyone. I checked out that link too. Did you think it was a little vague? It included removing charts from the facility, but sharing them with unauthorized persons all in the same sentence. Made me think it was ok to remove them just not to share them? How do you think it reads? When I have a little more time I will share more about how our office runs. I still am not a 100% certain it's a violation, as long as you're not sharing them, and of course a good reason to remove them, i.e. dictation. Thanks!