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View Full Version : How does hipaa affect me as a patient?


xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 09:59 AM
I need help I have an essay due and I don't know how would write it... please help

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:00 AM
Well, I can't give you the answers, but I can help guide you.

What do you think HIPAA means?

xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 10:03 AM
It protects patient privacy or information

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:05 AM
Yes, it does. That's right. Now, who has to abide by HIPAA laws?

xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 10:07 AM
Person behind the counter meaning the health workers dealing with patients?

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:09 AM
Oh, yes, but it reaches farther than that. It also depends on what context you are looking at. Are you talking about a hospital? Doctor's office? Pharmacy?

xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 10:14 AM
Hospital or a physicians' office

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:28 AM
Okay, consider this... Everyone who has access to the patient information is bound by HIPAA. That means everyone from the secretary in the doctor's office to the radiologist, nurse, doctor, anesthesiologist, etc. in the hospital.

I am primarily a labor and delivery nurse, but also work in the ER. If a patient comes in to the ER by ambulance who is intoxicated, and the police show up later, am I allowed to tell them what this patient's alcohol level is if they ask?

xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 10:31 AM
If the police consent with the doctor or maybe yes co'z he's the police

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:36 AM
if the police consent with the doctor or maybe yes co'z he's the police

Actually the answer is NO. We cannot discuss anything with anyone outside of the medical staff caring for the patient. The police would have to get an order for the laboratory to draw the blood.

You see, HIPAA is basically what used to be known as doctor/patient privilege. Nothing can be discussed with anyone who is not directly involved in the care of the patient without the patient's consent.

Now, if you will forgive me please, I worked a 14 hour shift last night and have to get some sleep as I am due to be back to work in 7 hours. I need to get me some beauty sleep.

xxxstela
Feb 2, 2012, 10:38 AM
Oh okay.. thank you so much.. have a good night :)

J_9
Feb 2, 2012, 10:41 AM
Please continue to post your answers and I will respond as I am able. There are some others here, as well, who are well versed in HIPAA as well.

J_9
Feb 3, 2012, 07:01 AM
Just curious... How is your essay going?

xxxstela
Feb 6, 2012, 01:30 AM
I wrote it and I found out tomorrow morning.. thank you for all your help! :)