I have dialysis three times a week. The doctors come in once a week and go from patient to patient where everyone can hear everything the doctor is saying. I was told when I started dialysis that I was not allowed to go to the office for a visit any longer for it was conflict of interest with insurance company, since the doctor comes to the center. Is this or is this not breaking hippa regulations? Thanks you. Judi

Is your HIPAA question about the conflict and him coming to the clinic or about others overhearing his conversations? Right now I see no violation.

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Originally Posted by judi7454

I have dialysis three times a week. The doctors come in once a week and go from patient to patient where everyone can hear everything the doctor is saying. I was told when i started dialysis that i was not allowed to go to the office for a visit any longer for it was conflict of interest with insurance company, since the doctor comes to the center. Is this or is this not breaking hippa regulations? Thanks you. Judi

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I'm very familiar with dialysis, the procedures, the medical aspects.

What are you asking regarding HIPAA? I don't understand the conflict of interest - the insurance company will not pay for both the center's Physician and your private Physician?

Refuse the full medical visit by the center's Physician. Have him review your records only, check your status, and have your private Physician give all other medical advice.

Here's the thing. By accepting care in such a facility you are tacitly giving permission for your treatment to be discussed in the open in that facility. So no violation exists. If you don't like this, then you need to get your treatment a different way.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

Here's the thing. By accepting care in such a facility you are tacitly giving permission for your treatment to be discussed in the open in that facility. So no violation exists. If you don't like this, then you need to get your treatment a different way.

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Absolutely and I am not aware of ANY dialysis center that insurance will cover that has totally separate and individual rooms. Part of the problem is employee cost. In my area the ratio is 4 patients to 1 tech. I've seen 6 to 1.

I am aware of people who discuss ONLY dialysis with the facility's Physician and nothing else. Their private Physician discusses and treats all other issues. My concern is always a problem while on the machine and the Physician having little or no knowledge of other health problems.

My late husband did both - facility Physician AND private Physician.

I think to some extent undergoing dialysis is very similar to having a baby - no expectation of privacy.