disease investigations

[kcrnsue]

For those of you who have to do the follow-up on the reportable diseases, what lengths have you had to go to? I got the run around this morning trying to get a physical address on a case. The age of Hipaa has made things very difficult. A co-worker told me once that her Ct + client didn't know the name of her sexual contact, but he had ridden his bike in front of her house. How would you like to try to follow up on that one!

[kcrnsue]

For those of you who have to do the follow-up on the reportable diseases, what lengths have you had to go to? I got the run around this morning trying to get a physical address on a case. The age of Hipaa has made things very difficult. A co-worker told me once that her Ct + client didn't know the name of her sexual contact, but he had ridden his bike in front of her house. How would you like to try to follow up on that one!

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

I got the run around this morning trying to get a physical address on a case. The age of Hipaa has made things very difficult.

Is the problem that other health care personnel don't understand that state laws require reporting such information? I am fortunate to have a very good relationship with the public health nurse who is responsible for TB/STD f/u. It wouldn't occur to me to hold out on the public health nurse re: reportable stuff.

Hat's off to you - it can't be an easy job. At least in the hospital you know where your patients are (most of the time! :))

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

I got the run around this morning trying to get a physical address on a case. The age of Hipaa has made things very difficult.

Is the problem that other health care personnel don't understand that state laws require reporting such information? I am fortunate to have a very good relationship with the public health nurse who is responsible for TB/STD f/u. It wouldn't occur to me to hold out on the public health nurse re: reportable stuff.

Hat's off to you - it can't be an easy job. At least in the hospital you know where your patients are (most of the time! :))

[phn92]

First time, I did a follow-up on a case (I think it was E-Coli), the Dr's office wasn't too sure if they could give me the info. This was after HIPPA was started. All I did was mention that it was a Communicable Disease and had to be reported to the Health Dept, they suddenly became very cooperative!

I guess I'm lucky, I live in a small town and it's pretty easy to find people! I can't imagine trying to find people in big cities!