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View Full Version : Can I sue for a HIPPA violation


nursey83
Nov 16, 2010, 08:59 AM
I recently asked for a copy of a bill that showed what my father's insurance and medicare had paid. The anesthesiologists office sent a copy of this, but also, sent 2 pages with not only my fathers info- account number, SSnumber,etc,but numerous other former patients info! This is a major HIPPA violation. I am wanting to know if we can see this place,as this happened one other time about 7mo ago, and I spoke with a supervisor which assured me that there would be an "inservice" for employees on this matter. With identity theft on the rise, if this info had gotten in the wrong hands, it would have been disastrous

Just_Another_Lemming
Nov 16, 2010, 09:18 AM
When it comes to HIPPA, you don't have the basis for a civil lawsuit. This is a case for your state's Department of Health to handle. One of their many tasks is to ensure doctors are following the HIPPA laws. Please check your yellow pages for state gov't offices and look up DOH. If you can't find it, contact your State Attorney General's office. Either dept should be able to help you.

Thank you for showing concern about other people's personal information. This may not be the first time your state's DOH has had a complaint against that doctor's office and they may need your info to help them build their case against him.