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View Full Version : Workman comp and hippa laws


Brandi5888
Dec 10, 2007, 11:31 AM
My husband was hurt pretty bad on his job at nso fault of his own. After waiting 3 months we finally were able to go to an orthopedic trama surgeon. While at the appointment, the case nurse was upset because she wasn't allowed to go into the exam room with my husband, the doctor and me. She told us that workmans comp was excluded from hippa laws. My husband has not signed any kind of release forms or anything and I find this kind of hard to believe. Does anyone know if this is correct or if she was just trying to get her way? Thank you for your help.

ScottGem
Dec 10, 2007, 12:03 PM
HIPPA rules prevent a health care provider from revealing confidential info to someone not involved in the care of the patient. A Worker Comp Case nurse would seem to me to be someone involved and I see no violation there. As soon as your husband filed a WC claim you gave permission for the WCinsurer to gather info about the injury.