I am concerned when I hear that physicians' offices are using automated services to communicate patient information. I would ask that doctor's office first of all if their automated service is HIPAA complaint. Second, does the doctor's office have your permission on file that allows them to leave medical information on your home phone number or office. The latter is pretty risky and opens up a whole area for possible litigation as employers cannot protect your medical privacy at all times.
It is a violation of the law to provide medical information via a voice mail message, e-mail or fax without patient consent. EMR records are supported by IT systems which are also required to be HIPAA compliant.
Some of the risks include phone calls to wrong numbers, what if your test results were left on a wrong phone number and/or this person happens to be a neighbor, a roommate or a co-worker?
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I am concerned when I hear that physicians' offices are using automated services to communicate patient information. I would ask that doctor's office first of all if their automated service is HIPAA complaint. Second, does the doctor's office have your permission on file that allows them to leave medical information on your home phone number or office. The latter is pretty risky and opens up a whole area for possible litigation as employers cannot protect your medical privacy at all times.
It is a violation of the law to provide medical information via a voice mail message, e-mail or fax without patient consent. EMR records are supported by IT systems which are also required to be HIPAA compliant.
Some of the risks include phone calls to wrong numbers, what if your test results were left on a wrong phone number and/or this person happens to be a neighbor, a roommate or a co-worker?
December 9, 2008 - 12:43amThis Comment
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