Fake Dr. notes??

[kidsnurse1969]

What do you do if you suspect that a note from a doctor's office has been forged or doctored?

I have a note in question so I called the dr's office to verify. Initally, the receptionist said that the student did not have an appointment on the day in question. When I called back for verification, she said that the office was looking into it and could not comment at this time because of HIPPA.

What would you do?

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Wow, I had that exact same situation come up! The note looked like it was whited-out then re-copied, something was misspelled (although I can't remember what, it was a medical term), and the MD signauture was signed "Dr. Soandso", instead of "A. Soandso, MD". The doctor's office would also not comment on the validity of the note. The kid was out a whole week for something like a cold.

I talked to my principal and attendance clerk and we decided just to call and tell the parent that we are unable to accept that note due to some discrepancies in it and we would require another one. We never got it

[bergren]

A HIPAA covered agency, a primary provider office, can only speak to you without a written consent over treatment. So if there is not treatment, they are right in saying they cannot talk to you.

"we decided just to call and tell the parent that we are unable to accept that note due to some discrepancies in it and we would require another one. "

We also refused and stated that the provider's office declined to verify the note. (True)

[kidsnurse1969]

I am frustrated that my administration has not taken any action. I guess in the big picture, this note is not important. But the lack of consistancy on the part of the administration is wearing me out!