Is it a HIPPA violation if a pharmacy technician leaves a message staing the prescription is ready for pick up but does not leave specific information concerning the medication or disease?

Why would that be a HIPAA violation?

At the public library, we leave messages on voice mail or answering machines to tell patrons their reserved books have come in, but are not allowed to say the title or author. We don't know who hears the message, and the information about the book might be confidential (e.g. a wife requesting a book on divorce).

Assuming there was something in your answering machine message identifying you why would this be a problem?

If the message simply said your prescription was ready, why would you even be upset?

I don't understand what could have been a violation?

Nothing was stated other than you need to pick up an item, say for headaches or athletes feet... so what,you have a prescription.

That's what Pharmacist do. How else would you know,unless you called. I'm no Lawyer, but I can tell you, NO it isn't a HIPPA violation.

I am a Registered Nurse and certified in HIPAA. As long as there was no identifying information, i.e. your name, the name of the medication or the specific illness, no violation has occurred.

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Originally Posted by J_9

I am a Registered Nurse and certified in HIPAA. As long as there was no identifying information, i.e. your name, the name of the medication or the specific illness, no violation has occurred.

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They CAN leave your name, obviously the message is for you. But like J_9 said, they cannot leave any identifying info about the prescription.

If they reach a person and not voicemail, they are only allowed to say the prescription is ready, or if there is a problem, to ask for a return call concerning the prescription. They cannot discuss or mention the problem, be it not in stock, an insurance issue (ie, only generic covered but doctor wrote name brand requried), to early to fill, etc. If you've opted for reminder phone calls for refills, they can call when refills are due, but can't leave a message as to which ones are due.

It's customary to call patients when electronic or telephoned prescriptions are ready. It's also customary to call when prescriptions have been sitting for a couple days and then again before returning to inventory.

And normally they ask if you want them to call or text ( I get all my refill info texted to me) But just compare that to a doctors office where they use automated calling machines that call confirm your appointment the next day.