topic Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA? in Wellness

Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

AuntG — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 23:44:38 GMT

Neither DH or myself are on any medications. However, after our annual physicals, our doctors orders some blood work and I received a call from the clinic regarding the results. My DH was at work so I clearly stated to the caller that while they did not have to discuss his results with me, I was prepared to provide them with a pharmacy name if any medications were needed, and that I could schedule any follow up appointments for my DH. They refused to talk to me on either issue, and ended up bothering DH at work. He then gave them verbal permission to talk to me and they called me back. Does HIPAA really prevent a wife from providing the name of a drugstore, or scheduling an appointment?

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

conlt — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 23:53:45 GMT

Yes it does. I had to fill out paperwork at my mothers doctors office to be an approved person to talk too. They always ask me who I am. It is difficult when I am ordering her medicines because I pose as her on the phone. I tried to fill out the paperwork with her Prescription company. It was so complicated that I did it wrong and they rejected it. That is why I pose as her to simplify things. My mother does not know what drugs she is on or what they are for so she could not be independent in that. HIPPA is a pain but it is necessary too I think.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Lacey1 — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 23:55:19 GMT

It prevents the health care provider from discussing ANY aspect of a patient's health care with anyone but the patient, or someone designated by the patient.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Mary Bailey — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 23:56:52 GMT

Information is for the patient only. A spouse or parent of an adult child cannot have access unless the patient gives specific permission.

You can both complete HIPAA forms to release info to each other. You would need to do that for each medical entity and your insurance carrier. The forms will let you specify what info can be given and the duration of the permission.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 00:14:41 GMT

This is interesting because my niece called me in tears. It seems that she was involved in a car accident back a few years ago, not her fault. In order to get the bills paid she had to hire a lawyer.

She said the amount of money offered wasn't even enough to pay the Dr and hospital bills. I don't understand the process but now she is going to have to list (for the man who hit her's lawyer) every Dr she went to for 10 years! She said she has to list their names, phone numbers and what kind of Dr they are. My sister came on the phone and said that the woman who hit her's lawyer has the right to the records from every one of these Drs pertaining to my niece.

Her lawyer said the other side is looking to see if my niece ever mentioned having difficulty with her arm during any of these office visits.

So much for the HIPPA law! How does this give these people the right to 10 years of the Dr visits my niece went to? She's only 25 so the list won't be long, thank goodness.

Anyone ever been involved in a car accident with this problem?

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Yardlie — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 00:22:15 GMT

She is apparently suing the other individual, so yes...she gives consent to provide that information to her attorney and the other attorney.

I had to do that also after a car accident. They will only pay out if they know your niece did not have a pre-existing condition to the injured area.

It took about 5 years to settle my claim, but I had serious injuries. The lawyer got 30%...but it was worth it.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

JuicyFruit — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 00:22:31 GMT

On 2/1/2014 annabellethecat said:
This is interesting because my niece called me in tears. It seems that she was involved in a car accident back a few years ago, not her fault. In order to get the bills paid she had to hire a lawyer.

She said the amount of money offered wasn't even enough to pay the Dr and hospital bills. I don't understand the process but now she is going to have to list (for the man who hit her's lawyer) every Dr she went to for 10 years! She said she has to list their names, phone numbers and what kind of Dr they are. My sister came on the phone and said that the woman who hit her's lawyer has the right to the records from every one of these Drs pertaining to my niece.

Her lawyer said the other side is looking to see if my niece ever mentioned having difficulty with her arm during any of these office visits.

So much for the HIPPA law! How does this give these people the right to 10 years of the Dr visits my niece went to? She's only 25 so the list won't be long, thank goodness.

Anyone ever been involved in a car accident with this problem?

THEY have the right to ASK her to provide the records. Clearly, they have a right to know if it was a condition she already had or something caused by the accident - they shouldn't pay for something she already had, right? How else would they know the truth? They simply can't take someone's word for it.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

sfnative — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:14:30 GMT

I was on the HIPAA Team at the hospital when we were gearing up to go live with HIPAA. Two things come to mind:

1. You doctor's offices, ALL doctor's offices, should have presented you with a packet of HIPAA information for you to read. There would have been a line for you to print your name, sign your name and date the document. You should have been given a copy of this document for your records.

2. You should also have been given a document called "The Patient's Bill of Rights." This is usually a one page document which very simply states what your rights are as a patient. There are probably things here that you would never think of, so it's wise to have them copy your signed version for your records as well.

Also, you may want to go online to check with your state government with regard to this subject and "power of attorney." This is just some additional reading that will be good to have on board.

Anyway, get back to your doctors and ask them where the heck your HIPAA and Patient's Bill of Right documents are. They have a legal responsibility to provide you with those documents. If they don't, take them to the ethics committee of your state's American Medical Association.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:43:11 GMT

I agree that they have the right to know if it was something she previously had but I would think the Drs would be sent a paper asking specific questions, like has she ever mentioned a problem with her arm.

How in the world can they have the right to all of my nieces medical records for 10 years? That's just crazy to me. Specifics yes, makes sense, but I told my sister, "If this goes to court and you are on the stand be sure to look over to the jurists and say, "So when you are on the table being examined by your GYN remember that 10 years down the line if some idiot should run into you, he has the right to everything said and done during that visit and for the next 10 years".

I told my sister that had I known about this I would have paid the Drs and hospital bills myself and she wouldn't have had to go through this. They were only under $60,000. Now with lawyers, Drs other fees, who knows.

Once something like that is collected, all in one package, it's somewhere forever.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Lapdog — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:59:46 GMT

My two cents. I have listed my family's names on a sheet of paper each year at my general practitioners and others for several years. I have also called my mother's doc and was able to discuss her needs with mom's permission. It works. But get this, I am now getting huge manila envelopes in the mail clearly labeled in bold type. Breast Clinic/ Cancer Center. So much for privacy huh! I don't mind so much but I'll guess a lot of folks do.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

moonstone dunes — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 02:11:08 GMT

A patient can designate the level of privacy and what they will/will not share. If you are getting mailings go back to the medical provider and modify your HIPAA agreement.

I have been given HIPAA and Privacy Policies forms by medical providers for at least 15 years or more. HIPAA is close to 20 years old! I cannot understand how anyone could be confused about HIPAA at this point.

In the instance of a legal matter then it would seem health records are a fair aspect of Discovery.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Yardlie — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 02:18:34 GMT

On 2/1/2014 annabellethecat said:
This is interesting because my niece called me in tears. It seems that she was involved in a car accident back a few years ago, not her fault. In order to get the bills paid she had to hire a lawyer.

She said the amount of money offered wasn't even enough to pay the Dr and hospital bills. I don't understand the process but now she is going to have to list (for the man who hit her's lawyer) every Dr she went to for 10 years! She said she has to list their names, phone numbers and what kind of Dr they are. My sister came on the phone and said that the woman who hit her's lawyer has the right to the records from every one of these Drs pertaining to my niece.

Her lawyer said the other side is looking to see if my niece ever mentioned having difficulty with her arm during any of these office visits.

So much for the HIPPA law! How does this give these people the right to 10 years of the Dr visits my niece went to? She's only 25 so the list won't be long, thank goodness.

Anyone ever been involved in a car accident with this problem?

The attorney from the other side will eventually send your niece to a physician of his choice to be examined also. They will pay for it, of course.

I thought the doctor (in my case, a neurologist) would be biased, but his findings ended up helping my case.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

hckynut — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 06:48:54 GMT

Your doctors or other health professionals that have treated you ask:

1)Is it ok to leave a voice mail message?

2)Is it ok to leave results of your test on voice mail?

3)Is it ok to leave results with spouse?

HIPPA is a joke and that can be seen by the hiring of Navigators for the "XX act", some of which have been found to be felons. Can't leave any information with your spouse, but it is ok to give ALL your medical information to a felon.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

JJ — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 06:55:23 GMT

On 2/1/2014 annabellethecat said:
I agree that they have the right to know if it was something she previously had but I would think the Drs would be sent a paper asking specific questions, like has she ever mentioned a problem with her arm.

How in the world can they have the right to all of my nieces medical records for 10 years? That's just crazy to me. Specifics yes, makes sense, but I told my sister, "If this goes to court and you are on the stand be sure to look over to the jurists and say, "So when you are on the table being examined by your GYN remember that 10 years down the line if some idiot should run into you, he has the right to everything said and done during that visit and for the next 10 years".

I told my sister that had I known about this I would have paid the Drs and hospital bills myself and she wouldn't have had to go through this. They were only under $60,000. Now with lawyers, Drs other fees, who knows.

Once something like that is collected, all in one package, it's somewhere forever.

On 2/1/2014 annabellethecat said:

It doesn't work that way.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 07:44:09 GMT

Obviously it doesn't work that way. As I see it her privacy is totally blown away because someone ran into the back of her car, caused her to have an operation and in order to get the bills paid she must share her private medical information with unlimited amount of strangers.

I think of the people I know and some of the things they've been through in their life and to have that available for unlimited strangers is unbelievable to me!

All for about $70,000. The insurance would have paid for it or I would have given her the money had I known. It's only money. Not worth what she has to go through.

Think about it. Say you go to a psychiatrist that would no longer be personal. I can't believe that. So sad what is happening.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Yardlie — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:34:14 GMT

On 2/1/2014 annabellethecat said:
Obviously it doesn't work that way. As I see it her privacy is totally blown away because someone ran into the back of her car, caused her to have an operation and in order to get the bills paid she must share her private medical information with unlimited amount of strangers.

I think of the people I know and some of the things they've been through in their life and to have that available for unlimited strangers is unbelievable to me!

All for about $70,000. The insurance would have paid for it or I would have given her the money had I known. It's only money. Not worth what she has to go through.

Think about it. Say you go to a psychiatrist that would no longer be personal. I can't believe that. So sad what is happening.

Annabelle, it is more like a limited amount of strangers. I know we hear about all the bad cases of identify theft and stealing personal information, but that doesn't happen in many cases of trying to settle an insurance claim. I shared my information. A close friend of mine shared her information. Neither one of us ever suffered any undesired ramifications from it. We were just able to settle our cases.

When you go to your doctor, he shares your information with insurance companies. You have given permission for him to share it. If he didn't share it when requested, your claims wouldn't be paid.

Best of luck to your niece on settling her claim.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Annabellethecat66 — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:56:30 GMT

Ok, think about this. From that day forward there will always be a record of my niece's Drs she'd seen for 10 years.

If she gets involved in or someone idiot hits her again, it will be forever that those 10 years can be easily dug up.

We all like to think this and that are protected. I am sorry, I don't believe that any more.

People need money too much these days. You only hear about the few like Target. A lot of people don't know there were other stores Macy's for one that had their records stolen.

The news just stopped reporting it.

So, I guess from now on she will have one heck of a time getting medical help with anything involving this medical problem.

I'm glad I'm 67 years old so I don't have to go as many years as she does worried about getting hit again (going through all of this and let's see....."Miss have you ever sued anyone? OK, that means there's a record of 10 years of your life. No problem we'll access that". Her SSN, everything is there.

I think some of you people would feel differently if you'd had your identity stolen. You would understand that it is something you never, never recover from it.

How sad it all is.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

Annabellethecat66 — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:57:51 GMT

I think I'm angry because I could have given her money to pay the bills, but I didn't know this would be involved and neither did she.

Now the lawyers will get lots of money and her name is muddied up. Ugh!

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

CouponQueen — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 22:36:44 GMT

Regarding the niece that was hit and is suing. Yes they are entitled to her health records. Say she hurt her ankle in the car accident and then they find out that fifteen years ago she fell at college or work etc and sustained an injury to her ankle and knee..the she was school/work for a time and went to Physical Therapy for a couple months - they will try and connect the dots per say. It does protect them from unscrupulous people - not your niece but not everybody is honest..

As for HIPPA once you sue you open up the right to your medical records - right or wrong depends on whose side you are on. Why should they pay for something that they may not be responsible for.

As to the OP - yes the MD's office was in the right not to discuss any aspect of your husband's care with you - without his permission.

Annabelle - Actually NO with the new Affordable Health Care Bill - pre-existing conditions no longer apply and you cannot be turned down for insurance due to them so this protects your niece in that way. As for suing anyone - where would that be held against her? I don't ever recall that being asked at any time in my life? I am being serious here as I know you cannot tell intent sometimes when typing.

Re: Clinic workers- could you explain HIPAA?

straykatz — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 00:00:13 GMT

On 2/3/2014 annabellethecat said:
Ok, think about this. From that day forward there will always be a record of my niece's Drs she'd seen for 10 years.

If she gets involved in or someone idiot hits her again, it will be forever that those 10 years can be easily dug up.

We all like to think this and that are protected. I am sorry, I don't believe that any more.

People need money too much these days. You only hear about the few like Target. A lot of people don't know there were other stores Macy's for one that had their records stolen.

The news just stopped reporting it.

So, I guess from now on she will have one heck of a time getting medical help with anything involving this medical problem.

I'm glad I'm 67 years old so I don't have to go as many years as she does worried about getting hit again (going through all of this and let's see....."Miss have you ever sued anyone? OK, that means there's a record of 10 years of your life. No problem we'll access that". Her SSN, everything is there.

I think some of you people would feel differently if you'd had your identity stolen. You would understand that it is something you never, never recover from it.

How sad it all is.

Insurance records/claims are only kept on file for 7 yrs after the ckaim is closed..they are then destroyed...but laws require these kinds of records to be kept for a minimum of 7 yrs.