"So what is going on with them?" <-- Is that statement an invasion of privacy

[HHN2472]

Not sure where to put this, but I am looking for other health care professional opinions on the matter. I have noticed when making appointments for my patients that when I call the receptionist at MD offices she will always say... "So... what exactly is going on with them that they need to see the Doctor?" Maybe I am just paranoid, but I find that to be none of their business. I know that they are trying to figure out how much time to schedule out, but I don't see how a receptionist should be allowed to ask questions about what is going on with a patient. It is harmless yes, and you can be vague I know by saying "Not feeling well" or "Just needs to follow up" or what have you. Am I being overly nit picky?

[RNGriffin]

It's a harmless question. Her job is to inform the office nurses and physician of the patients that are coming in.

Maybe this is a multi-practice office and she sincerely needs to figure out which physician would be best to evaluate the client or sort of her triage duties for scheduling. Many receptionist function in a dual role in the practice setting. I wouldn't give a complete H&P, but I would at least mention which systems are involved. "He's having respiratory complications", "He's immune compromised" "She's having GI comps"

Also, many receptionist are not receptionist these days. I know multiple practices that hire Medical assistants, who also function in administrative roles.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

They need to know what's going on so they can schedule the patient appropriately. They should be well versed in HIPAA and most likely have medical training of some sort.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

My 2 cents are that this is a non-issue. The general nature of the visit is a perfectly reasonable question, one which the office manager and provider (s) guide the receptionist to ask.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

They are bound by HIPAA as well...HIPAA in on a need to know basis. They need to know so they may schedule the MD appropriately.