hayestm

I believe it's been several years when I stumbled upon AllNurses. The site was very interesting to me and still is. I have learned a lot reading the posts and all the comments that have been made. I joined to ask a few questions of my own. I appreciated the conversations with my posts. I tried to post my topic and couldn't log in because I forgot my password. I made several attempts. I became frustrated that I ended up creating another account. I have already asked the administrative desk to remove the original account. Again, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts and comments. I have read many posts on other sites and joined them to ask a few questions. I learn something new every day. Learning is a good thing!

Thank you Anonymous865 ! Thank you for understanding what I'm asking. My provider would not send a reminder through the mail, he would call or text me, but I am responsible for my health and I know when it's time for my exam. My relationship is WITH my provider, NOT the lab and that's why I don't understand where they can "just decide" to offer send results and reminder cards to patients. Thank you! I'm glad others are okay with reminder cards being sent. We all have that right/freedom! I just don't want a lab to tell me my results or remind me of an exam. My Dentist sends me an email, but usually I'm calling them to make an apt before the email reaches me. I'm laughing at the one post about "if the neighbors know I'm a woman or not" (something like that). YES -- they know I am a woman, but my neighbors who I know or don't know do not need to receive an open reminder about my exam. One more time, Thank You for understanding!

I apologize for being late in responding to so many comments. I appreciate everyone's comments. Thank you! All the comments give me something to think about or rethink how I feel about a postcard reminder for a private issue. I did create a new account, as I was unable to remember my password from my previous posts. I'm sorry if that is against the rules. I also want to apologize to any nurses that I have offended with any of my comments. I have the highest respect for nurses and I don't recall saying anything negative towards nurses. I do recall discussing my surgery and mentioning that I did not appreciate how my pre-op nurse asked my MD to lie to me about not being able to start my IV and she would come in and do it; as well as the OR nurse who gave me the "if looks could kill" when she wasn't the one that I was going to hold on to when my epidural was done. BUT - I still would request all the nurses that I had for my surgery and stay in the hospital and I even wrote that in a letter to the CNO and CEO of the hospital. My daughter will be starting a BSN program in a few weeks and I understand how hard the classes will be and the dedication it takes to go through the program. I have made many negative comments about medical assistants (who are not nurses), due to the mistakes they have made with my family being on the receiving end. My BP goes up when I hear MA's introducing themselves as nurses. I enjoy this site tremendously, reading the questions and reading all the answers. I have learned a lot from the variety of comments that are made to some very unique questions.

Thank you for all of your answers. I do appreciate it. I would like to clarify, the reminder card was not from my physician's office, it was from the lab they used to process the results. My doctor wasn't reminding me, a lab (3rd party) was. Not sure if that matters with a HIPAA violation. I've asked if my name can be removed, but not even in writing will the remove it. Only the MD can ask for all of his patients not receive the reminder or lab results. He can't just ask for one name. I am surprised that this is not a violation of some sort, because I have read comments about patients being called while in the waiting room. I read if a staff member said "Carol Jones, lets get you ready for your well woman exam" in front of others in the waiting room is a violation compared to them just calling the name of the patient and not giving any info as to why she was there. So, it's not a violation if a postcard, with full name of patient on the card, reminding the patient of a very personal exam, is not a violation? I don't see the difference. I need to think on this and read more. Thank you again for your responses.

Would it be a HIPAA violation if a LAB Company sends women (who they performed the testing on their PAP tests) a reminder postcard indicating it's time for their "Annual Well Woman Exam"? Postcard states "It's Time for Your Annual Well Woman Exam" addressed to Sue Q Smith-Jones. Then a note addressing: Dear Sue, it's time for your annual well woman exam. Please take a moment to schedule your appointment with Dr. George. Physician was not aware of this "service" from the lab reminding his patients about their exam. A side note: Postcard has ended up in the hands of people who live in the neighborhood due to the post office delivery person delivering to the wrong house. That is a very personal note regarding a person's health.

Hi Miss Chrissy! Thank you for your info. I do understand, but I've had numerous mistakes that have taken place with "assistants" and I am having a hard time trusting them again. I deeply appreciate your expertise in what can happen, etc., but I've talked with numerous doctors throughout the country regarding having the colonoscopy my way and have been given the "green light". None of them indicated it wasn't doable. They all have given me additional advice regarding a colonoscopy; i.e., pediatric scope instead of adult; water instead of air, etc. My personal MD would be there to watch and assist and he has done hundreds of colonoscopies in the past, so he is not new to them. He would also be able to provide abdominal pressure if needed. I have always said that an "assistant" (preferably an actual nurse and not a tech) can be outside the door if something would need to be done, but only then is when she could enter, help with the immediate situation and then leave again. I just do not want anyone else in the room than the two MD's. Thank you again for your expert advice. I really appreciate it and will make note of it.