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    suderman6's Avatar
    suderman6 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 20, 2008, 02:52 PM
    Is this a Hippa violation?
    I work in a medical facility. Recently the sister of a good friend of mine came in for an ultrasound appointment. Her and I have never liked each other so when we saw each other it was uncomfortable. I stayed clear of her and her boyfriend ,however, when my friend called me later and asked if I saw them there I said yes. The sister now is accusing me of a hippa viloation. Am I in violation of Hippa?
    N0help4u's Avatar
    N0help4u Posts: 19,823, Reputation: 2035
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    #2

    Dec 20, 2008, 02:54 PM

    No ethically you may have violated her confidentiality not wanting others to know she had an appointment but you did not give out medical or personal information.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #3

    Dec 20, 2008, 03:02 PM

    Well, actually you are not suppose to tell others that you saw someone being treated.
    So yes this could be considered a violation, since you saw her as part of your work.
    N0help4u's Avatar
    N0help4u Posts: 19,823, Reputation: 2035
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    #4

    Dec 20, 2008, 03:06 PM

    I didn't think it would be but I guess that it makes sense that it would because then they already know more than they should.
    What would be the penalty or whatever for something like that.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #5

    Dec 20, 2008, 03:20 PM

    I understand, fine line, I have challenged calling your name in the doctors office is a violation since they are not suppose to tell anyone else you are there,
    artlady's Avatar
    artlady Posts: 4,208, Reputation: 1477
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    #6

    Dec 20, 2008, 04:08 PM

    Yes ,you are.

    I went to school to be a medical assistant(drop-out) and in our medical ethics class it was made clear that any mention of a patient is verboten.

    I don't think it would be a big deal. Maybe you get a warning.I'm not sure.
    I think much of it would depend on how severely it seemed you violated some ones privacy.
    You didn't say anything specific.
    It was an innocent mistake on your part. Just say you slipped up,it just slipped out during a fast conversation.

    I would talk to your supervisor and tell her what's happening because certainly if there is a violation her office will be involved.They are entitled to know and they may be able to nip this in the bud before it gets ugly.

    Best of luck!
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #7

    Dec 20, 2008, 05:19 PM
    Yes, this was a HIPAA violation. You are never to divulge any info regarding a patient. That includes whether you saw them at the clinic/office/hospital.
    dennynew's Avatar
    dennynew Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Jan 5, 2009, 11:28 AM
    I recently had blood tests done, I was at work and my sister was here from out of town the Doctor office called my sister answered the phone and they gave her my test results Then she asked questions and they were reading things out of my medical file to her. She did tell the nurse excatly who she was before she even gave her my results from my blood work What Can I Do?
    MsMewiththat's Avatar
    MsMewiththat Posts: 854, Reputation: 136
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    #9

    Jan 5, 2009, 11:32 AM

    Denny that is a clear violation that is not at all okay, unless your sister was listed as someone that results could be disclosed to. I would contact the clinic and let them know that you want to report the incident. Also you can file a complaint on the website for the office of civil rights.
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #10

    Jan 5, 2009, 11:36 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dennynew View Post
    I recently had blood tests done, I was at work and my sister was here from out of town the Doctor office called my sister answered the phone and they gave her my test results Then she asked questions and they were reading things out of my medical file to her. She did tell the nurse excatly who she was before she even gave her my results from my blood work What Can I Do??


    Please only post once and don't piggyback - "Msme" has answered here and I have answered on your original thread.

    Should be combined.
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