HIPAA violation if an old friend?

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Hello all,

I have an unusual situation come up today. I work for an infusion agency, and I do a lot of the billing. A name came across my desk that I knew, and saw evidence on the paperwork (DOB and address) that confirms it was an old friend of mine from another job. We're only Facebook friends anymore, but I always liked and respected this individual, and we still occasionally write each other via FB. My question is would it be in violation of HIPAA to reach out to see how he is doing?

Thanks

Agreed FLARN, i also see that you were referring to the contact information. in that respect you are absolutely correct.

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Thanks everyone. I was generally leaning towards just contacting him to see how everything is going, without divulging what I know. You all helped solidify my thoughts.

Thanks again

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Why not just contact them through FB since you write each other occasionally? Do not write a letter or call your friend UNLESS you ALREADY had access to their address/phone number prior to seeing their information at work. That would be a HIPAA violation. Don't mention you came across their name at work and that's the reason why you wanted to see how they were doing. That would also be a HIPAA violation.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

"Hi Friend, I've seen you on Facebook. It's been a while since we chatted and I wanted to see how you doing." Not a HIPAA violation.

"Hi Friend, I saw that you've visited the doctor I work for. It's been a while since we chatted and I wanted to see how you are doing." HIPAA violation.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Some of you are missing the point.it's not the access to the address and phone number that is the issue, it's the knowledge of their medical status.You can call them up to see how they are but you can't mention that you were viewing their info at work.That would be a violation.

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Specializes in OR, peds, PALS, ICU, camp, school.

Hey, I was just thinking about you the other day. Hope everything is OK with you! How are the kids doing? Blah, balh

Apparently that's the truth!

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Specializes in med/surg tele, postpartum, mother baby.

it absolutely would be

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