Would you file a HIPPA complaint?

[S.N. Visit, BSN, RN]

I was at my allergy appt yesterday at a physician's clinic when I over heard a clerk checking in a patient. The clerk talked so loudly that I could hear her approx. 16 feet away in the waiting room. I found out the pt's name, address, kids names, telephone number, insurance carrier, husbands name, place of employment and how much the pt owed on the existing bill.

It's a small town, I know the clerk (she's a total Barney Fife) , which I personally do not care for. I don't want to make waves with her since I have to see her around town.

Should I :

1. Call her Office manager,

2. Just talk to the clerk and let her know what I over heard?

3. Call the pt herself to let her know she could file a Hippa complaint?

4. Just forget about the incident?

[Luv2BAnurse]

I would tell the clerk that she is being overheard, with private information. Not too sure that any of the information was exactly protected health information....but it certainly doesn't need to be overheard.

[Jolie, BSN]

I firmly believe that unless there is a risk of immediate harm to a patient, one should discuss concerns or differences with the person involved first.

So, please talk to the clerk. She is probably oblivious to the fact that she is so easily overheard. If she does not accept your input graciously, then go to her supervisor.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I would privately talk to the clerk too - always go first to the person you have the problem with.

Lots of people don't realize how loud they talk.

This happened to me at the bank two days ago - the guy at the counter gave the clerk his SS# so loud that we all heard it and could now steal his identity.

steph

[NurseWannabe1129]

I agree with the above posters that you should go to the clerk first. I know that I am a little hard of hearing and sometimes do not realize how loud I am speaking. It is always appreciated when someone tells me to make sure my voice isn't so loud.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with the others; talk to her first. I know it is hard when the person involved is someone that we don't care for, but think of it this way...there may be some people, for whatever reasons, may not care for us as individuals, however, does that automatically mean that they should be unemployed? After speaking to this clerk, if the behavior continues, then, for sure, I would speak to the clinic manager, doctor, up the chain of command.

I don't mean to say that you are personally trying to aim to get this woman in trouble. It is just that with this economy, we have to also be diligent as to whose head we hand over on a platter.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I think I'd go talk to her too. She may not realize how loudly she's talking and might appreciate a gentle reminder from a patient versus being talked to by her supe.