HIPPA VIOLATION???

Misstlewis · Sep 30, 2011

My point is when i go to the dr i expect confidentiality... If every one in the waiting area knows my lab results then where is the confidentially? Especially when i wasnt even talking to her. I simply asked for a referral to see another obgyn and while that referral was being typed out this is when the medical assistant jumped into the conversation and started to announce my results. Im sure in chicago we have more then one capable obgyn who knows how to treat my case.

Jolie, BSN · Sep 30, 2011

from previous post edited and changed by Misstlewis, "I was just asking about getting a referral to another doctor."

Then please ignore all previous replies. I thought you were asking about reporting an office employee for a supposed HIPAA violation. My bad.

Prettyladie · Sep 30, 2011

If it's THAT big of an issue, leave. That's it. You'll probably spend more money on getting an attorney to take this case than trying to find a new doctor. This is nothing punitive. Just change doctors. No big deal.

Prettyladie · Sep 30, 2011

Then please ignore all previous replies. I thought you were asking about reporting an office employee for a supposed HIPAA violation. My bad.

Oh, well I thought that's what she was talking about too hahaha.

darkangel83 · Sep 30, 2011

Is it a violation of hippa for a medical student to announce that my pap smear was abnormal to the receptionist?
Scenario: I had an appointment to c my obgyn who was running extremely late (i understand cuz if a pt go into labor or something then they have priority). Because everytime i come im always waitin 2 hours cuz she isnt there so i was talkin to my primary dr receptionist about getting a referral so i can make an appointment with somebody else. My obgyn's medical assistant jumps n the conversation and announces that i have to c the dr because my pap smear is abnormal. This lady is always rude when i come in and i believe she said that deliberately. I was wondering if this would b a violation and if so should i contact an attorney?

Ok, I am confused. It seems from your original post that you are concerned about an information privacy violation...but, your main concern is the rudeness of the receptionist? Is that right? In that case, I would cut my losses and move on to your new physician! No sense in getting yourself all worked up about it...she's probably like that with everyone and could use a reminder of proper etiquette from the manager/physician in charge.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Write a letter to your OB/GYN's office and outline (in a factual manner) what transpired. You may not be the only patient with concerns regarding this receptionist.

It is not a HIPAA violation. The receptionist didn't come out to the waiting room, call your name, and then say in front of the entire waiting room, "Ms. X, you must wait for the doc because your results show that you have condylomas and you need to be scheduled for surgery to have these warts removed." Now THAT would be a HIPAA violation!

What you experienced was rude and uncaring behavior from a receptionist.

Write the letter, and use complete words. Remember to stay as factual as possible, because it will give your complaint more credibility.

Misstlewis · Sep 30, 2011

Thanks to everybody who responded even those that seemed irritated...

This is what i got from hhs.gov website which is the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services official site.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically. The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization. The Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections.

This is the part that I was trying to figure out if it was violated of not

The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information

Misstlewis · Sep 30, 2011

Thank you very much... Thats basically all I wanted to know without receiving the sarcasm I have experienced.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Is it a violation of hippa for a medical student to announce that my pap smear was abnormal to the receptionist?
Scenario: I had an appointment to c my obgyn who was running extremely late (i understand cuz if a pt go into labor or something then they have priority). Because everytime i come im always waitin 2 hours cuz she isnt there so i was talkin to my primary dr receptionist about getting a referral so i can make an appointment with somebody else. My obgyn's medical assistant jumps n the conversation and announces that i have to c the dr because my pap smear is abnormal. This lady is always rude when i come in and i believe she said that deliberately. I was wondering if this would b a violation and if so should i contact an attorney?

Two things:

1) HIPAA!!!!!! Not HIPPA

2) Sure sounds like it was a violation!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Thank you very much... Thats basically all I wanted to know without receiving the sarcasm I have experienced.

What sarcasm? People asked for clarification to the question you asked. Some advised you that it probably wasn't attorney-worthy. Others gave their opinion that if the rude front desk staff bothered you, so take it up with her boss or change offices.

If what you're speaking of is your horrendous butchering of the English language with the "teen" talk typing and nursing professionals called you out on it, I don't think that falls under sarcasm either.

Thujone · Sep 30, 2011

noyes

Thujone · Sep 30, 2011

I am not sure, but I believe since the receptionist schedules your appointments, in a medical office, a receptionist would be considered part of your care team. I am not sure if this is grounds for exposure or not, but I wouldn't pursue it.